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UAE residents could enjoy a long weekend in September

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A long weekend may be on the cards for UAE residents this September, as the country prepares to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a public holiday traditionally observed on the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.

While the official date will be confirmed by moon sightings closer to the time, astronomers have predicted two likely scenarios for 2025:

  • If Rabi Al-Awwal begins on Sunday night, August 24, then the holiday will likely fall on Thursday, September 4, giving residents a mid-week day off.
  • If the Islamic month starts on Monday night, August 25, then the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal would land on Friday, September 5, potentially resulting in a three-day weekend when combined with Saturday and Sunday.

This would be a welcome break following the summer season, offering many the chance to unwind, travel, or spend time with family.

Can the UAE Shift the Holiday?

Under current Cabinet guidelines, most UAE public holidays, excluding Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, can be moved to the beginning or end of the workweek to create longer weekends. If the Prophet’s birthday falls on a Friday, it’s likely to remain as is, offering a natural long weekend.

Why Islamic Holiday Dates Change Every Year

The Hijri (Islamic) calendar is based on lunar cycles, with months lasting 29 or 30 days. This makes the Islamic year around 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, causing holidays to shift earlier each year.

Whether it’s a Thursday pause or a full three-day weekend, residents can look forward to a well-timed break this September, with official confirmation to follow from UAE authorities.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Crime

UAE Central Bank fines local bank Dh3 million over anti-money laundering failures

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The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a financial penalty of Dh3 million on a local bank for failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

The fine was issued under Article 14 of Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, as well as Article 137 of the Decretal Federal Law No. (14) of 2018 concerning the Central Bank and regulation of financial institutions.

The CBUAE said the penalty followed an investigation which found that the bank had not met regulatory requirements outlined in UAE legislation to combat financial crime.

In a statement, the Central Bank reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the transparency and integrity of the country’s financial system. “We continue to supervise and regulate all licensed financial institutions to ensure full compliance with UAE laws, regulations, and standards,” the authority said.

The name of the bank was not disclosed.

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Dubai’s RTA steps up inspections of buses to ensure safety

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has urged transport operators to strictly follow regulations covering all modes of passenger transport, including chartered buses, tourist services, and international bus trips.

This comes after RTA completed over 15,500 inspections targeting operators in these sectors, as part of ongoing efforts to raise service standards and ensure safety.

“The inspections weren’t just about issuing violations,” said Saeed Al Balooshi, Director of Passenger Transport Activities Monitoring at RTA. “They’re designed to improve service quality and ensure operators meet the rules that keep Dubai’s transport sector running smoothly.”

Checks included verifying safety measures onboard and ensuring all required licences were in place. The RTA also teamed up with other authorities, including Dubai Police and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at Hatta Border Post, to tackle misuse and irregularities in cross-border transport services.

Al Balooshi added that the authority is using new technologies to make inspections more effective by analysing violations and measuring the impact of enforcement campaigns. “Our goal is to ensure a reliable and high-quality experience for residents, visitors, and tourists, and to protect the reputation of Dubai’s public transport sector,” he said.

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New paid parking zones announced in Abu Dhabi

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Residents and motorists in Abu Dhabi should take note: new Mawaqif paid parking zones have been activated in several areas across the city, Q Mobility announced on Thursday, July 10.

The newly introduced paid zones include:

  • Eastern Mangroves
  • Dolphin Park
  • Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street sectors – specifically at Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park 1, 2, 4, and 5
  • Al Qurm Plaza

The rollout of the Mawaqif system in these areas is now officially in effect, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s parking regulations.

  • Standard Parking – black and blue curbs:
    • Dh2 an hour
    • Dh15 for 24-hour parking
  • Premium Parking Abu Dhabi – white and blue curbs: AED 3 an hour

According to Q Mobility, this move is part of ongoing efforts to better regulate vehicle movement, ease congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of public parking across the emirate. The changes follow the completion of infrastructure upgrades such as curb painting, installation of directional and awareness signage, and public notifications.

The company has also encouraged drivers to make use of the Darb app for digital payment and to carefully follow posted instructions to avoid fines.

The expansion of Mawaqif is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving traffic flow and providing smarter, more streamlined parking solutions within Abu Dhabi Island and beyond.

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