UAE National Day: Public, private sector employees to enjoy four-day weekend

Public and private sector employees across the UAE will have a four-day weekend to mark the country’s 54th National Day.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that December 1 and 2 will be official holidays, with work resuming on Wednesday, December 3. The unified public holiday schedule ensures that both sectors receive the same number of national holidays.

National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, commemorates the founding of the UAE on December 2, 1971, when six emirates came together to form the federation. Ras Al Khaimah joined soon after in 1972. The occasion celebrates the nation’s unity and rapid development over the past five decades.

Residents across all seven emirates are expected to mark the anniversary with large-scale celebrations, including fireworks, concerts and cultural performances. A major live show highlighting the UAE’s heritage and future ambitions will serve as the main event.

Throughout the weekend, citizens and residents often decorate their cars and homes with national colours and flags, while images of Emirati leaders are displayed in public and private spaces. The festivities bring together more than 200 nationalities who now live in the UAE.