UAE: When is the next public holiday after Islamic New Year 2025?
Dubai residents could get another three-day weekend in early September
DUBAI: The long weekend for Islamic New Year may have just ended, but another break is already on the horizon for residents across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Following the recent three-day weekend, attention now shifts to the next public holiday: the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (PBUH).
Celebrated during Rabi Al-Awwal – the third month of the Islamic calendar – the Prophet’s birthday is widely observed across the Muslim world. In 2025, Rabi Al-Awwal is expected to begin on Sunday, August 24 or Monday, August 25, depending on moon sightings. This places the Prophet’s birthday on either Thursday, September 4 or Friday, September 5.
Both dates offer strong potential for a three-day weekend. If the holiday falls on Thursday, residents would enjoy Thursday to Saturday off. If it lands on Friday, the break would stretch from Friday to Sunday – a welcome reprieve from the workweek.
New holiday law
This expected long weekend follows a recent public holiday regulation announced at the start of 2025. The new rule allows the UAE Cabinet to shift Islamic holidays to align with the official workweek. It was already applied for Islamic New Year, which was preponed to give a Friday off.
If the same policy is applied again, the Prophet’s birthday holiday could be strategically placed to create a seamless break for workers and students alike. Whether you’re planning a staycation or a quick getaway, this upcoming holiday offers a perfect opportunity.
While it’s still around two months away, the timing aligns with off-peak travel rates – making it an ideal chance to explore local or regional destinations without the summer rush.