DUBAI, UAE — As the festive season reaches its peak in the Emirates, many residents are finalising travel plans and festive dinners. However, for those with pending administrative or consular tasks, a significant wave of closures is about to hit. While the city is draped in lights, the question remains: is Christmas officially a holiday, and how will it impact your year-end paperwork?
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Is Christmas Day a Public Holiday in the UAE?
The short answer is No. Christmas Day, falling on Thursday, December 25, 2025, is not an official public holiday in the UAE.
According to the official holiday calendar approved by the UAE Cabinet, government departments, banks, and most private-sector entities will operate during normal business hours. Unlike the UAE National Day or Eid breaks, there is no mandatory “paid day off” for this date.
However, many private companies across the UAE—particularly those with international headquarters—often grant flexibility to their Christian employees through half-days or pre-approved annual leave.
US Mission UAE Announces 5-Day Closure
The biggest impact for residents this week is the scheduled shutdown of the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai.
If you are waiting for a visa interview or document notarization, take note of the “bookended” schedule:
- Closed: Wednesday, December 24 to Friday, December 26, 2025.
- Weekend: Saturday, December 27 and Sunday, December 28.
- Reopens: Normal operations resume on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Critical Note for Visa Applicants: New non-immigrant visa appointment slots, which are typically released every Friday morning, will not be updated on Friday, December 26. Expect a significant backlog in processing times as services pause for the long weekend.
Philippine and British Missions Holiday Alert
The US Mission is not alone in its observance. The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) have confirmed they will be closed on December 24 and 25.
Similarly, the British Embassy traditionally observes a two-day break on December 25 and 26. For Filipino expats needing contract verification (OEC) or British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance, it is advised to complete all transactions before the Wednesday shutdown.
Confirmed: New Year’s Day 2026 Public Holiday
While Christmas remains a working day, relief is just one week away. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially confirmed that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be a paid public holiday for all private-sector employees.
This creates a potential four-day weekend for residents who choose to take Friday, January 2, as annual leave.
