How to Maximize Your Leave: Get 49 Days Off Using Just 19 Days in the UAE

Everyone loves a good break from work. Imagine getting almost two months off using just a few weeks of your annual leave. In the UAE, it's possible if you plan wisely. With a smart combination of public holidays and annual leave, you can enjoy extended vacations throughout the year.

The UAE has several public holidays spread across the calendar. By carefully positioning your leave around these holidays, you can extend your vacations. This strategy not only gives you more time to rest and recharge but also helps you make the most of your leave days.

In this article, we will show you how to maximize your leave in 2025. By using just 19 days of annual leave strategically, you can get up to 49 days off from work. This guide will help you understand the public holidays, plan your leave, and make the most out of your time off. Whether you want to travel or just relax at home, these tips will help you enjoy longer breaks with minimal leave days.

Understanding the UAE Public Holidays in 2025

Knowing the UAE public holidays is key to maximizing your leave. In 2025, the holidays include:

1. New Year's Day: January 1

2. Eid Al Fitr: Expected May 2-4 (depends on moon sighting)

3. Arafat Day: Expected June 7

4. Eid Al Adha: Expected June 8-10

5. Hijri New Year: Expected July 26

6. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: Expected September 15

7. Commemoration Day: December 1

8. National Day: December 2-3

Plan your leave around these key dates. For instance, combine Eid holidays with weekends to get a longer break without using many leave days. Remember, some holidays depend on moon sightings, so be flexible with your plans.

Calculating Your Annual Leave

Every full-time employee in the UAE is entitled to 30 days of annual leave. Understanding how to combine these with public holidays is essential. Here's how you can make the most out of it:

1. Identify Public Holidays: Mark down the UAE public holidays on your calendar first.

2. Spot Long Weekends: Look for weekends adjacent to public holidays. For example, if Thursday and Friday are holidays, you can take off Wednesday.

3. Apply for Leave Early: Submit your leave request well in advance to ensure approval and availability.

Combine these steps to get more days off using fewer leave days. For instance, taking January 2 and 3 off after New Year's Day can give you a five-day break using only two leave days. By lining up holidays and weekends, you can stretch your time off effectively throughout the year.

Sample Leave Plans to Maximize Days Off

To help you get the most out of your leave in 2025, here are some sample plans that merge annual leave days with public holidays:

1. New Year's Break: Take January 2-3 (Thursday-Friday) off. Coupled with the weekend and New Year's Day, you get five days off using just two leave days.

2. Eid Al Fitr: Eid Al Fitr is expected on May 2-4 (Friday-Sunday). Take April 28 to May 1 (Monday-Thursday) off. This gives you nine days off using only four leave days.

3. Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day: Arafat Day is expected on June 7 (Saturday), followed by Eid Al Adha on June 8-10 (Sunday-Tuesday). Take June 5-6 (Thursday-Friday) and June 11-12 (Wednesday-Thursday) off to enjoy a 12-day break using just five leave days.

4. National Day: Take off from December 1-3 (Monday-Wednesday) along with the weekend. You can have a 7-day break using just three leave days.

These plans show how combining public holidays and weekends with a few leave days can significantly extend your time off.

Making the Most of Your Extra Days Off

Now that you've maximized your leave, here's how you can make the most of your extra days off:

1. Explore Locally: Discover the UAE's hidden gems like the Hatta Mountains, Fujairah beaches, or the cultural spots in Sharjah. These destinations make for perfect short trips.

2. Plan International Trips: Use your extended breaks for international travel. Nearby countries like Oman, Jordan, and India offer exciting destinations that are just a few hours' flights away.

3. Advance Bookings: To save money and ensure availability, book your flights, hotels, and activities ahead of time. Look for early bird deals and discounts online.

4. Staycation Ideas: Sometimes, the best vacation is right at home. Book a staycation in one of Dubai's luxurious hotels or resorts. Enjoy the facilities without the hassle of traveling far.

5. Leisure Activities: Use your time off to try new hobbies or take up a sport. Join a class, go hiking or simply relax at home with a good book.

By planning ahead and making thoughtful choices, you can make the most of your extended breaks.

Conclusion

Maximizing your leave in the UAE is a smart way to make sure you get plenty of time to relax and recharge. By carefully planning your days off around public holidays, you can extend your vacation time significantly without using too many leave days. This allows you to enjoy more time with family, travel, or indulge in hobbies.

Whether you're traveling to new destinations or exploring local spots, making the most of your leave days enhances your work-life balance. Planning ahead for accommodations and activities ensures you get the best deals and availability, making your time off more enjoyable and stress-free.

For a convenient way to explore Dubai and beyond, consider Anydrive. Our instant car service rental lets you focus on enjoying your trip without the hassle of long queues or counters. Book your ride with Anydrive today and make the most of your hard-earned time off!