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.