UAE residents may enjoy a 3-day weekend in early September as the next public holiday—Prophet Muhammad’s birthday—is expected to fall on September 4 or 5. If officially confirmed on a Thursday or Friday, the holiday could extend the weekend. Final dates will depend on moon sighting and government announcement.
UAE residents can start looking forward to a potential long weekend in early September, as the next public holiday is expected to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The holiday, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is observed in the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, and in 2025, it is likely to fall on Thursday, September 4 or Friday, September 5, subject to moon sighting.
While the exact date of the holiday will be officially confirmed by UAE authorities closer to the time, early predictions based on the Islamic lunar calendar indicate that it will likely result in a 3-day weekend for many across the Emirates.
In recent years, the UAE government has implemented a system of unified public holidays for both the public and private sectors. Additionally, authorities sometimes adjust the dates of public holidays—when they fall midweek or on weekends—to create extended breaks for residents. This is done to promote internal tourism and allow people more time for rest and leisure.
If the holiday is officially observed on a Thursday, employees will enjoy a Thursday-to-Saturday break. If it falls on a Friday, the weekend may be extended to Sunday, granting residents a rare Friday-to-Sunday long weekend.
This anticipated holiday comes after the recent celebration of Eid Al Adha, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. The next major national holiday after Mawlid al-Nabi will be UAE National Day, observed on December 2 and 3. That holiday too is expected to offer another extended weekend toward the end of the year.
The Prophet’s Birthday is a day of reflection, prayer, and community gatherings for many Muslims around the world. While it is not as widely celebrated with public events as some other holidays, it remains an important spiritual occasion. In the UAE, it is typically marked with mosque sermons and quiet family observances.
Travel experts and tourism operators in the UAE are already expecting a spike in short-trip bookings for the September weekend. Many residents use such opportunities for domestic travel within the UAE or short holidays to nearby destinations like Oman, Georgia, or the Maldives.
As always, the UAE government will issue an official circular closer to the date confirming the exact day of the holiday. Residents are advised to wait for this announcement before making any final travel plans.
In summary, while the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is still weeks away, early forecasts suggest that it could bring with it a well-deserved 3-day weekend—an opportunity for residents to relax, recharge, or enjoy a quick holiday break before the final quarter of the year begins.
