Eid Al Adha: 5 things Dubai employees need to know
As the UAE braces for one of the biggest public holidays of the year, Dubai employees are getting prepared for the extended break.
With separate announcements by the UAE government aimed at the public and private sectors when it comes to days off for Eid Al Adha, it's worth knowing exactly how much time off you're entitled to.
The UAE public holidays law outlines at the start of the year what to expect during the festival of sacrifice.
And, while the majority of people living and working in Dubai will enjoy time off for the holiday, what are your rights if your employer wants you to work?
How long will private sector employees be off for Eid Al Adha?
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed the exact number of days that private sector employees will enjoy off work for Eid Al Adha.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in the UAE has officially announced the days off for workers in the private sector.
Private sector workers will be off from Dhu Al Hijjah 9 until Dhu Al Hijjah 12, which will be from Thursday June 5 until Sunday June 8 in 2025.
We'll then be back in the office from Monday June 9.
How long will public sector employees be off for Eid Al Adha?
Ahead of the upcoming Eid Al Adha public holiday, the United Arab Emirates has confirmed the official days off for public sector workers.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources in the UAE has officially announced the days off for public sector employees.
Government workers will be off from Dhu Al Hijjah 9 until Dhu Al Hijjah 12, which will be from Thursday June 5 until Sunday June 8.
Official work will resume, once again, on Monday June 9.
What are your rights if your employer wants you to work during Eid Al Adha?
A new UAE public holidays law has come into force which should give us all more time off (Credit: Canva)
According to the Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2021 related to employment relationships, employees have a couple of options if they are required to work during the Eid Al Adha holiday.
Article 28 of the law outlines that workers are entitled to official days off with full pay on public holidays.
But if your work conditions mean that you're required to work, then your employer must compensate you with another day off for each day on which you work during the holiday.
If the additional days off are not possible, then workers are entitled to their full working day wage plus an additional 50 percent of the basic wage for that day.
Dubai public transport will change
If you're working during Eid Al Adha, then you'll need to know that your commute is changing during the public holiday period.
The RTA has announced updates to the public transport schedule during the holiday, including Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, buses and marine transport.
Hours have been extended for the Dubai Metro, from Wednesday June 4 until Saturday June 7 to allow residents to get around more easily.
In addition to extended public transport operating hours, public parking will be free during the holiday. So, if you do need to dash to the office, there will be no extra fees for parking in the street.
And fun things to do during Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha fireworks (Credit: Riverland)
If you are off for Eid Al Adha, then you'll need to figure out what to do with all that extra free time. And that's where we come in.
From free events and dining deals to fireworks and pop-ups, there's something for everyone to check out this long weekend. Check out our full guide here.
Spending Eid Al Adha in Dubai?
Eid Al Adha 2025: When it is, where to go and what to do
The celebrations start here
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We've found the best Eid Al Adha staycation deals in Dubai
Celebrate Eid in style
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