Best Upcoming Long Weekends in Dubai for UAE Public Holidays

Have a Look at the 2025 Holidays in Dubai

Did you know the UAE recently changed its weekend from Friday – Saturday to Saturday – Sunday? This move came in line with the UAE Government’s vision to keep up with the global markets. Please note that the above public holidays have been announced by the UAE cabinet. When it comes to Islamic or religious holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year and Prophet’s Birthday, there will be slight variations with regards to dates, as they are completely based on the local moon sightings.

Getaway Ideas for the Upcoming Holidays

We’ve included two options for each holiday which means you can easily pick the one that is most ideal to plan your short breaks from Dubai.

1.New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1)

• In & around the UAE: Whether you want to kick off your New Year on an energetic note or just want the whole day to get over the hangover of your wild New Year’s Eve party, there are plenty of options to spend the New Year just the way you want. As the one-month-long DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival) has already begun, you can set out to discover some unbelievable shopping deals or make your way to Dubai’s newest attractions like the Museum of the Future, Madame Tussauds Dubai, and Sky Views Dubai. You can even drive outside of Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, or the more scenic Fujairah. Luckily, these places are less than two hours’ drive away from Dubai.

• Fly to Destination: Although the New Year falls on a Wednesday in 2025, you can extend your weekend by taking leaves on Monday and Tuesday, turning into a 5-day holiday, from Saturday (December 28) to Wednesday (January 1). This way, you can fly out of the UAE and explore places near or far from the country.

Where to Visit: Burma (Myanmar)

Travel time from Dubai: Approximately 5.5 hours

Why you should visit: A blend of new attractions, age-old settlements, and out-of-the-world natural landscapes make this a great destination to start your New Year. Immerse yourself in its white sandy beaches, take an exciting hot air balloon ride over the ancient city of Bagan, and discover the mysterious secrets of Chin State, among others.

2. Eid Al Fitr (Monday to Wednesday, March 31 to April 2)

• In & Around the UAE: It’s the perfect time to take in all the grand festivities as part of the Eid in Dubai celebration. You can also plan an exciting road trip from Dubai. Visit Khasab in Oman, which is about 200 kilometers away and easy to reach with a less than three-hour drive from the city. A must-experience here is a cruise aboard a traditional Omani dhow; this will sail you down the calm waters along the Musandam Peninsula, giving you the ultimate chance to see the region’s rugged mountains, fjords, and underwater marine creatures (including dolphins) from a refreshing perspective.

• Fly to Destination: As the holiday for Eid Al Fitr is from Monday to Wednesday, you can enjoy a 5-day holiday by including the previous weekend (March 29 and March 30). This will give you the chance to get out of the country and explore a new one. Azerbaijan is a great example here. Travel to a place full of culture, history, and breathtaking natural phenomenon.

Where to Visit: Azerbaijan

Travel time from Dubai to Oslo: Approximately Three Hours

Azerbaijan, dubbed the land of fire, is more than its capital city, Baku. It is worth traveling for its perfect coalescence of historical, cultural, scenic, and modern places of interest dotted all over the country. There are mythical sky-high mountain hamlets, astonishing mud volcanoes (of Gobustan), and eternal flames, among others, to fill your Eid Al Fitr getaway.

3. Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (Thursday to Sunday, June 5 to June 8)

• In & Around UAE: Things to do in Dubai during long Eid Al Adha holidays are aplenty, thanks to many Eid exclusive activities and summer events. But if you really wish to get away from all, why not take a trip to Salalah (in Oman) by road? Being the onset of the monsoon or Khareef season, it’s also the best time to visit Salalah. You’ll get to admire the serene, cool greenery of the region in its true splendor.

• Fly to Destination:  Eid Al Adha holiday extends to four days, which include a weekend, giving you the chance to venture away to a faraway place during your much-awaited Eid break. You can extend your holiday by take a couple of days off before or after Eid Al Adha for a longer holiday and travel to a cool, exotic destination like Norway. This will also help you to escape the scorching summer heat of the UAE.

Where to Visit: Norway

Travel time from Dubai to Oslo: Approximately seven hours

Why you should visit: This Scandinavian country is a great destination to escape Dubai’s summer heat. You can look forward to indulging in some exciting yet refreshing experiences. Stay in a traditional fisherman’s cabin built on stilt along the stunning Norwegian coastline, go on a hiking trip to marvel at the region’s unspoiled nature, visit its stunning coastline, and, of course, admire its awe-inspiring fjords with an unforgettable cruise.

4. Al Hijri/Islamic New Year (Friday/Saturday, June 27/28)

• In & Around the UAE: : In 2025, the Islamic New Year or Al Hijri will be either on a Friday or Saturday, depending on the moon sighting. This way, you will either get 2 days or 3 days holiday.  Consider a staycation with some amazing summer deals, or plan an exciting weekend getaway from Dubai during these holidays. Take an adventure trip to the UAE’s highest mountain (at Jebel Jais) or set out to explore Abu Dhabi’s leisure hub, Yas Island.

• Fly to Destination: As the temperature in June in the UAE is quite high, a holiday to a more pleasant country will be a good idea. As the Islamic New Year gives you a short break, it would be best to visit a place where you can reach within a few hours. Here we are talking about Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

Where to Visit: Tbilisi, Georgia

Travel time from Dubai: Approximately three and half hours

Why you should visit: While it is summer season in June in Tbilisi, it is not as warm as the UAE. The weather is pleasant, and you will have a great time exploring the capital of Georgia. The historical Old Town, the therapeutic thermal baths, the delicious wine, the ancient stone buildings, and the numerous interesting markets and museums are waiting to be explored in Tbilisi. Moreover, the cuisine of the place makes your visit worth it. The city also has a happening nightlife. Tbilisi also hosts some interesting festivals and events in June.

5. Prophet’s Birthday (Thursday, September 4)

• In & Around the UAE: As the Prophet’s birthday is on a Thursday, you can turn it into a long weekend holiday by taking off from work on Friday. Make your way to Abu Dhabi’s stunning mangroves or set out to explore some unique islands, such as Dalma Island and Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s largest island and known for its Arabian Wildlife Park.

• Fly to Destination: With a four-day holiday, you can choose a destination rich in culture, history, nature, and luxury.

Where to Visit: Udaipur, India

Travel time from Dubai: Less than four hours

Why you should visit: Udaipur in India is known for its gorgeous lakes, majestic palaces, and beautiful temples. Most of the palaces here have been turned into luxury hotels, giving you the chance to enjoy a stay fit for royalty. A visit to Udaipur is also a great way to know about its culture and enjoy the traditional Rajasthan cuisine.

6. Commemoration Day & National Day (Sunday to Wednesday, November 30 to December 3)

• In & Around the UAE: Although there is a day in between Commemoration Day holiday and the National Day holidays, you can make it a long holiday by taking a leave from work on Monday .There are many places to visit in Dubai during the Commemoration and National Day weekend . After all, this is the time when most of the region’s seasonal attractions open and become active, such as Global Village Dubai, Miracle Garden Dubai, and Dubai Garden Glow with Dinosaur Park.

• Fly to Destination: Club commemoration day and national day holidays with the weekend, and you’ll get a total of four days. This allows for a relaxing break at an exotic destination.

Where to Visit: We have two options at your disposal: Armenia and Kazakhstan. Choose one that matches your preferences.

Travel time from Dubai: They are within a four-hour flight from Dubai.

Why you should visit:

• With its untouched landscape, scenic mountain villages, and rich cultural heritage, a visit to Armenia makes for a refreshing break from your daily grind.
• Kazakhstan is still one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets, where you can immerse yourself in its astonishing biodiversity, soaring mountains, fascinating history, and unrivaled sights.

 

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Conclusion