UAE Eid Al Etihad 2025: How you can stretch the two-day holiday into a week-long (or longer) getaway

As the year nears its end, many residents are looking forward to the upcoming Eid Al Etihad public holiday on December 2 and 3, 2025. While officially a two-day holiday, with a little planning, you can turn this into a luxurious week-long break or even longer.

This year, Eid Al Etihad falls midweek, on Tuesday and Wednesday. The good news? The weekends before and after the holiday help create a natural frame for an extended holiday period . You have Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30 before the break, plus Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7 after. If Commemoration Day on December 1 is included as a holiday as usual, this adds to the time off.

Making Eid Al Etihad a nine-day break .

By taking annual leave on Monday, December 1; Thursday, December 4; and Friday, December 5, you effectively combine weekends, public holidays, and leave days to craft a nine-day vacation from Saturday, November 29, to Sunday, December 7. This technique, known as sandwich leave, maximises time off while minimising leave days used.

Check whether your annual leave rolls as calendar or working days. Some companies count holidays as part of leave days, others exclude them—affecting how long your time off really is.

Knowing that your leave is subject to approval, send your requests early to avoid last-minute disappointments. If your manager cannot approve the full requested period, try negotiating for some flexibility.

2025's Eid Al Etihad's leave planning guide


Note: Commemoration Day on November 30 may or may not be designated as a holiday, so check with your employer.

With careful planning and early applications, you can maximise your 2025 Eid Al Etihad public holiday and enjoy a rejuvenating break that feels much longer than just two days. Whether it's a chance for travel, rest, or time with family, this is your moment to truly recharge before the new year.

So why settle for a short holiday when you can make it a full nine days? Start planning now and make the most of your time.