Culture As the UAE gears up for its 54th National Day, there’s growing buzz that the 2025 celebrations might stretch beyond the usual two-day affair. Officially observed on December 2 and 3 — this year landing on a Tuesday and Wednesday — the positioning of these dates has sparked speculation that the country could enjoy a rare five-day weekend.

While nothing is confirmed yet, the pattern of recent government decisions hints at the possibility. If Monday, December 1, is also declared a public holiday — aligning with Commemoration Day, which is typically observed on November 30 but often marked with a day off on December 1 — residents could enjoy an extended break from Friday, November 28, through Wednesday, December 3. This wouldn’t be unprecedented. In recent years, the UAE government has shown a clear trend of adjusting holiday schedules to maximise rest days, especially when national holidays fall midweek.

For example, the Islamic New Year in 2024 was shifted to create a long weekend, reflecting the country’s ongoing push to support work-life balance and boost domestic tourism. National Day, or Eid Al Etihad, is one of the most anticipated holidays in the UAE calendar. It commemorates the formation of the nation in 1971, when the seven emirates united under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The celebration is a vibrant tribute to national pride and unity, marked by fireworks, drone shows, cultural festivals, air displays by the Al Fursan aerobatic team, and patriotic performances across all seven emirates.

For both citizens and visitors, a potential five-day break means more time to travel, explore local events, or simply unwind. Hotel bookings and entertainment venues are already gearing up for a surge in demand, anticipating that the government may follow previous patterns and turn the midweek holiday into a more festive, extended escape. So, while the official announcement is still pending, it’s worth keeping an eye on the calendar — and maybe even starting to plan. This National Day could be more than a celebration of unity; it might also be a golden opportunity for a well-timed getaway.