As the summer season approaches, many workers are looking for ways to extend their time off. For those based in Dubai, the upcoming June offers a unique opportunity to make the most of two major public holidays—Eid Al Adha and Islamic New Year. With careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy a remarkable 17-day break by using only seven days of annual leave.
UAE Public Holidays for June 2025
According to the official 2025 UAE public holiday schedule, residents can expect four days off for Eid Al Adha and an additional day off for Islamic New Year. While the exact dates of both holidays are yet to be confirmed—due to their reliance on the lunar-based Hijri calendar—both holidays are expected to fall in June.
Eid Al Adha: 8 Days Off with Just 3 Days of Annual Leave
The Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE typically begins with Arafat Day, followed by three additional days for the celebration of Eid. This year, it’s anticipated that Arafat Day will occur on Thursday, June 5, with Eid Al Adha extending through Sunday, June 8. This would provide a four-day long weekend.
To maximize time off, employees can book three days of annual leave—Monday, June 2 through Wednesday, June 4—effectively extending the holiday to nine consecutive days, eight of which will fall in June.
Islamic New Year: 9 Days Off with 4 Days of Annual Leave
The Islamic New Year also hinges on the sighting of the moon, with astronomers predicting that the holiday will fall on Thursday, June 26. However, the precise date may vary slightly depending on whether Dhu Al Hijjah is a 29- or 30-day month. Should the Islamic New Year be declared on Thursday, June 26, employees can enjoy a nine-day weekend by taking four days of annual leave.
To achieve this, staff would need to book leave for Monday, June 23, Tuesday, June 24, Wednesday, June 25, and Friday, June 27 (if the holiday is observed on Thursday, June 26). Alternatively, if the holiday falls on Friday, June 27, employees can take leave from Monday, June 23 through Thursday, June 26.
Conclusion
With these strategic annual leave bookings, Dubai residents can enjoy a nearly three-week break during June, taking full advantage of the overlapping public holidays. Whether for travel or relaxation, careful planning can help make the most of this summer’s extended time off.
