The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially declared the Eid Al-Adha holiday for private sector employees across the United Arab Emirates. According to the announcement, all private sector workers will receive paid holidays from Thursday, 5 June to Sunday, 8 June 2025. This period includes Arafat Day and the three days of Eid Al-Adha, offering a four-day break to residents across the nation.
This decision follows the UAE Cabinet’s approved public holiday calendar, which aims to unify holiday dates for both public and private sector employees, ensuring parity, predictability, and work-life balance across industries.
Understanding the Significance of Eid Al-Adha
Eid Al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the holiest occasions in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Before the sacrifice could take place, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
This story, rich in symbolism and spiritual meaning, is honoured by Muslims worldwide with special prayers, charitable acts, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock, usually followed by feasts shared with family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Eid Al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The day before Eid, known as Arafat Day, is considered the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat near Mecca in prayer and reflection.
MoHRE’s Holiday Announcement: What It Means
The Ministry’s declaration ensures that private sector employees will enjoy a continuous four-day holiday:
- Thursday, 5 June 2025 – Arafat Day
- Friday, 6 June to Sunday, 8 June 2025 – Eid Al-Adha Holidays
This move aligns with the UAE government’s efforts to provide equal holiday schedules for public and private sectors. By standardising holidays, the government aims to enhance the overall well-being and satisfaction of the workforce while also supporting family cohesion.
For many residents, the announcement is a welcome opportunity to plan family gatherings, short getaways, or simply unwind after months of work.
Long Weekend Boosts Domestic Travel and Hospitality Sectors
The extended Eid holiday is expected to fuel significant growth in domestic travel, hospitality, and retail sectors. Hotels, resorts, and airlines across the UAE are already preparing for an influx of tourists and residents looking to make the most of the long weekend.
Many travel agencies are promoting special holiday packages to destinations within the UAE and the broader GCC region. Places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah often see increased bookings during such periods, especially with residents looking to escape to nature, beaches, or luxury resorts.
Restaurants and shopping malls are also likely to benefit from increased footfall, as families gather to celebrate Eid with traditional meals and shopping sprees. Malls frequently extend their hours and roll out festive sales and entertainment programmes to cater to the celebratory mood.
Eid Celebrations Across the Emirates
Eid Al-Adha in the UAE is marked by a blend of tradition and modern celebration. While the core religious values are upheld through prayers, acts of charity, and family rituals, the UAE also celebrates with grand public events, fireworks, and cultural displays.
Key Features of Eid Celebrations:
- Eid Prayers: Special congregational prayers are held in mosques and prayer grounds across the country early on Eid morning.
- Sacrificial Rituals: Many families arrange for the sacrifice of sheep, goats, or cows. The meat is typically distributed among relatives, neighbours, and the needy.
- Charity: Giving to those in need is a central part of Eid, aligning with Islamic principles of compassion and community.
- Traditional Foods: Dishes like biryani, harees, ouzi, and sweets like luqaimat and baklava are prepared and shared.
- Family Visits: It’s customary for families to visit each other, exchange greetings and gifts, and spend quality time together.
- Public Events: Fireworks, concerts, and cultural shows are organised in major cities, drawing large crowds and celebrating the spirit of the holiday.
The UAE government and municipalities often collaborate to host community festivals and events, ensuring that both locals and expatriates can partake in the joyous atmosphere.
MoHRE’s Role in Employee Welfare
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation plays a pivotal role in shaping labour policies and protecting workers’ rights in the UAE. By ensuring that public holidays like Eid Al-Adha are uniformly applied to private sector employees, the MoHRE reinforces its commitment to fair labour practices.
This initiative also reflects the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a global model for workplace wellness and inclusivity. Over the past few years, the country has taken numerous steps to improve work-life balance, introduce flexible work models, and prioritise mental health and employee satisfaction.
Key Initiatives by MoHRE:
- Unified Public Holiday Calendar: Ensures predictability and equality across sectors.
- Midday Break Rules: Protect outdoor workers during extreme summer heat.
- Wage Protection System: Guarantees timely salary payments.
- Labour Dispute Resolution: Offers platforms for addressing grievances swiftly.
These initiatives not only benefit workers but also enhance the UAE’s global reputation as a business-friendly and ethically responsible nation.
How Businesses Are Preparing
For businesses operating in the private sector, the Eid holiday offers both opportunities and operational challenges. Companies are proactively adjusting their schedules, especially those in logistics, customer service, and retail.
Many organisations are:
- Rescheduling projects and deliveries around the holiday period.
- Notifying clients in advance about limited services or closures.
- Providing support allowances or incentives for essential staff working during the holidays.
In sectors where continuous operations are essential, such as healthcare, aviation, and emergency services, special arrangements are made for shift workers to ensure uninterrupted service while compensating them for holiday hours.
Employee Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The announcement of a four-day weekend has sparked excitement across social media, with hashtags such as #EidHoliday, #EidAlAdha2025, and #UAEWeekend trending.
Employees are taking to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to share their travel plans, family activities, and gratitude for the break. Influencers and travel bloggers are also curating Eid-themed content, hotel reviews, and cultural guides for the season.
For many, this is more than just a holiday—it’s a moment to reconnect with loved ones and traditions after the busy pace of modern life.
Travel Tips for the Holiday
With the expected surge in domestic and regional travel, authorities have issued advisories to help residents plan their trips safely and efficiently.
Travel Tips:
- Book Early: Hotels and flights fill up quickly during Eid. Early reservations can secure better rates.
- Stay Updated: Check road conditions, weather forecasts, and public transport schedules before traveling.
- Respect Local Customs: Eid is a religious holiday. Dress modestly and show cultural sensitivity, especially during public gatherings or visits to places of worship.
- Health Safety: With seasonal heat peaking in June, staying hydrated and avoiding midday sun is essential.
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre often extend public transportation timings and enhance services during holidays, making it easier for residents to travel within the cities.
Looking Ahead: Next Public Holidays in the UAE
As per the UAE Cabinet’s holiday calendar, the next public holidays after Eid Al-Adha 2025 include:
- Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1447H) – Expected in early August 2025 (subject to moon sighting)
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – September 2025
- Commemoration Day and National Day – December 1 to 3, 2025
Residents and businesses alike often plan annual leave around these dates, taking advantage of the aligned public-private sector holiday system.
Conclusion
The UAE’s announcement of a four-day paid holiday for private sector employees from 5 to 8 June 2025 for Eid Al-Adha underscores the nation’s commitment to cultural values, employee well-being, and inclusive development.
As the country prepares for this sacred and festive time, the spirit of unity, compassion, and gratitude resonates across the Emirates. From religious observances to family celebrations and travel adventures, Eid Al-Adha 2025 promises to be a meaningful and memorable occasion for all.
Whether you’re staying in the UAE or heading abroad, this extended break offers the perfect opportunity to relax, reflect, and reconnect.
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