Federal government employees in the UAE can look forward to a three-day weekend this September.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has confirmed that Friday, September 5, 2025 (12th of Rabi Al Awwal) will be a public holiday to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). With the date falling on a Friday, the holiday naturally extends into the regular weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Why this holiday matters

The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar and is observed with cultural and spiritual events worldwide. In the UAE, it is recognised as an official public holiday under the Cabinet Resolution Concerning Public Holidays.

How the date was confirmed

The International Astronomy Centre in the UAE announced that the crescent moon of Rabi Al Awwal was not sighted on Saturday, August 23 across the Arab world.

• Countries including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Palestine, Egypt, and Tunisia began Rabi Al Awwal on Sunday, August 24.
• Meanwhile, the UAE, Oman, Jordan, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, and Asian nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Iran will mark the beginning of the month on Monday, August 25.

This places the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal on Friday, September 5.

The Desert Vipers opened their DP World ILT20 Development Tournament campaign stunningly, pulling off a nail-biting one-wicket victory against the Dubai Capitals at the ICC Academy. The contest went right down to the last ball, with impact player Taimoor Ali holding his nerve to deliver a dramatic finish.

Dubai Capitals post 210/6

Batting first, the Capitals piled on a challenging 210 for six, setting up what looked like a match-winning total. But the Vipers’ bowlers struck at crucial stages, with UAE all-rounder Ali Naseer starring with the ball. He claimed 4 for 28 in four overs, applying the brakes to the scoring in the middle overs.

Vipers’ chase led by Suri, Keswani and Ali

In reply, Vipers captain and wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri gave his side a solid start, compiling a fluent 35 off 25 balls. The chase stayed alive thanks to a quick cameo from Nilansh Keswani, who smashed 22 off just nine deliveries, including two huge sixes.

But the decisive moment came with the arrival of Taimoor Ali as an impact player. Walking in with the game in the balance, Ali unleashed a stunning counterattack, blasting an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls, featuring two fours and six sixes. His clean hitting turned the tide, as the Vipers steadily closed in on the target.

Final-ball drama

The game came down to the wire, with the Vipers needing runs off the final delivery. Ali, calm under pressure, finished the job to secure victory by just one wicket, sparking wild celebrations in the Vipers’ dugout.

What’s next

The ILT20 Development Tournament runs until 3 September, with the final also set to be staged at the ICC Academy. Beyond the immediate silverware, the tournament serves as a crucial platform for UAE talent, giving players the chance to break into DP World ILT20 franchises, the UAE national team, and other global T20 leagues.

The Desert Vipers will be buoyed by their thrilling opening win, while the Dubai Capitals will be left ruing missed chances in a game that went down as one of the most exciting finishes of the competition so far.

Match Scorecard

Dubai Capitals – 210/6 (20 overs)

• Other contributions: The Team posted a strong total with partnerships across the order
• Best bowler (Vipers): Ali Naseer – 4/28 (4 overs)

Desert Vipers – 211/9 (20 overs)

• Taimoor Ali – 59 (28 balls, 2 fours, 6 sixes)*
• Tanish Suri – 35 (25 balls)
• Nilansh Keswani – 22 (9 balls, 2 sixes)
• Won by 1 wicket (off the final ball)

Result: Desert Vipers won by 1 wicket

Abu Dhabi Police have issued an urgent warning to motorists and residents after a scam message began circulating online, tricking people into believing they have a traffic violation.

The fake alert misuses an official police logo and provides a link to “check” the violation. But instead of leading to a government website, the link redirects to a hacker-controlled page operated by fraudsters in an Asian country. Victims risk losing personal data, banking details, and even money from their accounts.

Where the scam is spreading

According to police, the fraudulent link is being widely shared on WhatsApp, email, TikTok, Facebook, and X (Twitter).

The warning message being circulated online reads:

“Beware of any electronic message claiming you have a traffic fine and asking you to click a link to verify. These links are fake and run by scammers impersonating official websites.”

Why police are raising the alarm

• Fraudsters exploit fake advertisements and misleading links to steal financial and personal data.
• The bogus websites are designed to look like official portals but are in fact controlled by hackers.
• Scammers harvest bank details, passwords, and security codes once users enter their information.

How to protect yourself

• Verify the source: Open links only if you are 100% sure they are genuine.
• Don’t share sensitive info: Never type your banking or personal details into suspicious links.
• Use official apps only: Stick to government applications on the App Store or Google Play.
• Enable two-step verification: Turn on 2FA for accounts like WhatsApp to stay safe.

What to do if you’re targeted

If you receive such a link or suspect fraud, report it immediately through:

• Aman Service hotline: 8002626
• SMS: 2828
• Email: aman@adpolice.gov.ae
• Abu Dhabi Police Smart App

Abu Dhabi Police reminded the public to remain vigilant online: “Do not click suspicious links. Protect your data, protect your money.”