The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation announced on 17 November that private-sector employees will enjoy paid holidays on 1–2 December for the country’s 54th Union Day (Eid Al Etihad). Combined with the standard Saturday–Sunday weekend, most workers gain a four-day break, mirroring the public-sector schedule released earlier in the day.
Airlines and hotels immediately reported a spike in searches for regional beach destinations and short-haul European cities. Emirates forecasts outbound passenger volumes to rise 22% versus the same period last year, advising travellers to check in online and arrive three hours early.
![UAE Confirms Four-Day National Day Weekend for Private Sector, Triggering Travel Surge]()
Duty-free retailer Dubai Civil Aviation Services expects a 30% uplift in sales, while corporate mobility managers should anticipate slower processing times for work-permit renewals during the long weekend as government counters close. Free-zone authorities are urging HR teams to file applications before 28 November to avoid delays.
Sharjah, which observes a Friday-Sunday weekend, will enjoy a five-day break, intensifying inter-emirate road traffic. RTA plans extra metro services until 2 a.m. and temporary truck bans on Sheikh Zayed Road to ease congestion.
Airlines and hotels immediately reported a spike in searches for regional beach destinations and short-haul European cities. Emirates forecasts outbound passenger volumes to rise 22% versus the same period last year, advising travellers to check in online and arrive three hours early.
Duty-free retailer Dubai Civil Aviation Services expects a 30% uplift in sales, while corporate mobility managers should anticipate slower processing times for work-permit renewals during the long weekend as government counters close. Free-zone authorities are urging HR teams to file applications before 28 November to avoid delays.
Sharjah, which observes a Friday-Sunday weekend, will enjoy a five-day break, intensifying inter-emirate road traffic. RTA plans extra metro services until 2 a.m. and temporary truck bans on Sheikh Zayed Road to ease congestion.
