UAE employees can now begin to plan their last long weekend of the year, as the government has announced a three-day paid holiday for public the sector on the occasion of the country's 55th National Day.

December 2, 3 and 4 - Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday - have been declared a break by the government. Ministries and federal entities will resume regular working hours on Monday, December 7. This will make Eid Al Etihad a five-day break for employees who enjoy Saturday and Sunday as their usual weekend.

The Eid Al Etihad holidays usually fall on December 2 and 3. By adding December 4 to the official holiday list, the government has made this year's last public holiday officially a long weekend. Employees will no longer have to use up an annual leave day on Friday to make it an extended break.

UAE passed a law in 2025 which makes some public holidays transferrable. This means that if public holidays fall mid-week, they can be moved to the beginning or end of the week, so as to give residents a longer continuous break with the weekend.

Last year, UAE residents were originally set for a mid-week break for National Day, with December 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday) being the official holiday dates. However, due to the transfer rule, the original dates were shifted to December 1 and 2 (Monday and Tuesday), turning the mid-week pause into a long weekend, giving residents four days off to celebrate.

The longer break enables residents to plan trips, staycations, family gatherings, travel or downtime. The National Day break is one of the biggest highlights on the UAE holiday calendar and falls during the festive season as cooler weather sets in.

National Day marks the unification of the seven emirates in 1971 and the formation of the United Arab Emirates. This year, UAE is celebrating 55 years of the Union.

Eid Al Etihad brings families and communities together across generations to celebrate the UAE's shared identity and heritage. The occasion honours the country's resilient past, celebrates its progress and looks ahead to a promising future.

This year's celebrations will focus on the families, generations and communities that have shaped the country's journey over the past 55 years, highlighting the shared values, traditions and experiences that connect people across the Emirates.

Coinciding with the UAE's Year of Family, the 55th Eid Al Etihad will celebrate the nation as a "family of families", reflecting the sense of belonging and unity shared by citizens and residents.

Celebrations will light up Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the other emirates, alongwith a range of activities including cultural performances, heritage parades, family entertainment, diverse food offerings and new experiences at popular destinations throughout the holiday weekend.

(Source: Khaleej Times)