UAE Announces 4-Day Weekend for 54th National Day: December 1-2 Official Holidays
The United Arab Emirates has officially declared a four-day weekend for federal government employees to mark the country’s 54th National Day. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) confirmed that Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2, 2025, will be public holidays for all ministries and federal entities.
This announcement grants public sector workers a long weekend from Saturday, November 29, to Tuesday, December 2, with work resuming on Wednesday, December 3. The extended break provides a perfect opportunity for residents to participate in nationwide celebrations honoring the formation of the UAE.
Official Holiday Schedule and Private Sector Status
The official holiday, known as Eid Al Etihad, commemorates the unification of the emirates into a single nation on December 2, 1971. While the two-day holiday is confirmed for federal government employees, the final decision for the private sector is still pending, as per the UAE’s official 2025 holiday calendar.
There is also speculation about a potential longer break. Under UAE law, public holidays can be shifted to create extended weekends. This has raised the possibility that the officially listed December 3 holiday could be moved forward, potentially creating a five-day break for residents. An official confirmation on this is awaited.
A Nationwide Celebration of Unity and Heritage
National Day is one of the most significant events on the UAE calendar, a time of immense national pride and cultural display. The day honors the vision of the nation’s founding fathers and celebrates over five decades of progress and unity.
Across all seven emirates, the country will be adorned in the national colors of red, green, white, and black. The celebrations typically feature a vibrant array of events, including:
Spectacular firework displays
Patriotic parades and car rallies
Traditional dance performances and heritage villages
Concerts and public ceremonies
Light shows on iconic buildings
More Than a Holiday: A Time for Reflection
In its announcement, FAHR extended congratulations to the UAE’s leadership, citizens, and residents, emphasizing that the holiday is a time for reflection on the nation’s journey and its remarkable achievements.
For both long-term residents and citizens, the 54th National Day is a moment to appreciate the UAE’s story of transformation and its spirit of unity. The extended weekend allows families and communities to come together to celebrate their shared identity and the visionary leadership that has shaped the modern UAE.
As the nation prepares for this patriotic celebration, residents are encouraged to check with their respective employers for final confirmation of private sector holidays and to plan for a weekend filled with national pride and festive events.
