Public Holidays in GCC Countries 2025: Complete Guide for Expats
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Understanding GCC Holiday Calendar
- Islamic Holidays Across the GCC
- National Days and Secular Holidays
- 2025 Holiday Calendar by Country
- How Holidays Affect Work Schedules
- Planning Around GCC Holidays
- Holiday Entitlements and Pay
- Cultural Expectations During Holidays
- Conclusion: Making the Most of Holiday Periods
Introduction: Understanding GCC Holiday Calendar
Understanding public holidays in GCC countries is essential for expatriates planning their work year, family visits, and personal travel. The holiday calendar in Gulf countries combines Islamic religious observances with national celebrations, creating a unique rhythm that differs significantly from Western holiday patterns.
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, meaning their Gregorian dates shift annually, typically moving 10-11 days earlier each year. This guide provides comprehensive information about holidays across all six GCC nations and how they impact professional and personal life.
Islamic Holidays Across the GCC
Ramadan
While Ramadan itself is not a public holiday, this holy month profoundly affects work and life:
- Duration: 29-30 days (based on moon sighting)
- 2025 expected dates: February 28 - March 29
- Work impact: Reduced working hours (typically 6 hours instead of 8)
- Business hours: Many businesses shift to evening operations
- Cultural considerations: No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight
Eid Al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking Fast)
Celebrates the end of Ramadan fasting:
- 2025 expected dates: March 30 - April 1
- Duration: Usually 3-4 days public holiday
- Activities: Family gatherings, gift-giving, special meals
- Business impact: Major shutdown period, plan ahead for services
Eid Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son:
- 2025 expected dates: June 6-9
- Duration: Usually 4-5 days public holiday
- Coincides with: Hajj pilgrimage season
- Activities: Animal sacrifice, charity, family celebrations
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
- 2025 expected date: June 26
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: Marks the beginning of Islamic calendar year
Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid an-Nabi)
- 2025 expected date: September 4
- Duration: 1 day
- Note: Not observed as public holiday in Saudi Arabia
Isra and Mi'raj
- 2025 expected date: January 27
- Duration: 1 day (UAE only)
- Significance: Prophet Muhammad's night journey
National Days and Secular Holidays
United Arab Emirates
- UAE National Day: December 2 (marks 1971 unification)
- Commemoration Day: November 30 (honors martyrs)
- New Year's Day: January 1
Saudi Arabia
- Saudi National Day: September 23 (founding day)
- Founding Day: February 22 (new holiday since 2022)
Qatar
- Qatar National Day: December 18
- Sports Day: Second Tuesday of February
Kuwait
- Kuwait National Day: February 25
- Liberation Day: February 26
- New Year's Day: January 1
Bahrain
- Bahrain National Day: December 16-17
- New Year's Day: January 1
Oman
- Oman National Day: November 18
- Renaissance Day: July 23
- New Year's Day: January 1
2025 Holiday Calendar by Country
UAE 2025 Public Holidays
| Holiday | Expected Dates | Days |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | 1 |
| Isra and Mi'raj | January 27 | 1 |
| Eid Al-Fitr | March 30 - April 2 | 4 |
| Eid Al-Adha | June 5-8 | 4 |
| Islamic New Year | June 26 | 1 |
| Prophet's Birthday | September 4 | 1 |
| Commemoration Day | November 30 | 1 |
| UAE National Day | December 2-3 | 2 |
Saudi Arabia 2025 Public Holidays
| Holiday | Expected Dates | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Day | February 22 | 1 |
| Eid Al-Fitr | March 28 - April 2 | 5-6 |
| Eid Al-Adha + Arafat | June 4-9 | 5-6 |
| Saudi National Day | September 23 | 1 |
Qatar 2025 Public Holidays
| Holiday | Expected Dates | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Day | February 11 | 1 |
| Eid Al-Fitr | March 30 - April 1 | 3 |
| Eid Al-Adha | June 5-8 | 4 |
| Qatar National Day | December 18 | 1 |
How Holidays Affect Work Schedules
Private Sector vs. Public Sector
Public Sector:
- Generally receives longer holiday periods
- May extend holidays to create long weekends
- Follows official government announcements precisely
Private Sector:
- Minimum statutory holidays must be observed
- Some companies provide additional days
- Essential services may operate with skeleton staff
Last-Minute Announcements
A unique aspect of GCC holidays is that exact dates are often announced just days before, particularly for Islamic holidays dependent on moon sighting. This requires flexibility in planning.
Bridge Days
When holidays fall mid-week, governments often grant additional days to create extended breaks. These announcements typically come 1-2 weeks before the holiday.
Planning Around GCC Holidays
Travel Considerations
- Peak pricing: Airfares increase 50-200% during Eid periods
- Advance booking: Book 2-3 months ahead for holiday travel
- Airport crowds: Allow extra time for security and check-in
- Popular destinations: European cities fill with GCC travelers during summer Eids
Business Planning
- Complete urgent matters: Submit applications before holidays
- Government services: Long queues after holidays resume
- Meeting scheduling: Avoid weeks before/after major holidays
- Project deadlines: Build buffer time around holiday periods
Personal Planning
- Family visits: Coordinate home visits with holidays and annual leave
- Grocery shopping: Stock up before Eid as stores may close
- Banking: Complete transactions before holiday closures
- Healthcare: Note emergency clinic hours during holidays
Holiday Entitlements and Pay
Your Rights During Public Holidays
- Paid leave: All public holidays are fully paid
- Double pay: Working on holidays typically commands premium pay (150-200%)
- Compensatory leave: Alternative day off if required to work
- Religious observance: Additional considerations for practicing Muslims
Holiday Pay Calculations
If required to work on a public holiday:
- UAE: 150% of normal rate plus compensatory day
- Saudi Arabia: 150% of normal daily wage
- Qatar: 150% of basic wage plus day off
- Other GCC: Similar premium pay structures
Cultural Expectations During Holidays
During Ramadan
- Respect fasting by not eating/drinking publicly during daylight
- Dress more conservatively than usual
- Reduce loud music or entertainment
- Expect shorter business hours and slower service
- Accept Iftar invitations warmly—a sign of friendship
During Eid Celebrations
- Greet colleagues and neighbors with "Eid Mubarak"
- Small gifts for children are appreciated
- Accept invitations to Eid gatherings when offered
- Dress smartly—new or best clothes are traditional
- Charitable giving is emphasized
During National Days
- Participate in celebrations when possible
- Display national colors respectfully
- Learn about the country's history and achievements
- Avoid criticism during patriotic occasions
Conclusion: Making the Most of Holiday Periods
Public holidays in GCC countries offer valuable opportunities for rest, travel, cultural immersion, and quality time with family. Understanding the holiday calendar helps you plan your year effectively, respecting local customs while maximizing your own enjoyment of these special occasions.
Key tips for expats:
- Keep track of both Islamic and national holidays
- Plan travel and leave requests well in advance
- Understand your pay entitlements for holiday work
- Embrace cultural celebrations as part of your expat experience
- Be flexible with last-minute holiday announcements
- Use holiday periods strategically for home visits
- Respect religious observances even if you don't participate
The GCC holiday calendar, while different from Western patterns, provides generous time off throughout the year. With proper planning and cultural sensitivity, these holidays become highlights of your expatriate experience in the Gulf.
