The UAE has confirmed a public holiday on Friday, September 5, 2025, to mark the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (12 Rabi Al Awwal). With the date coinciding with a Friday, the announcement effectively grants residents across both the public and private sectors a three-day weekend from September 5 to 7.TL;DR:
- UAE has declared Friday, September 5, 2025 a public holiday for the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (12 Rabi Al Awwal), covering both public and private sectors.
- With the holiday falling on a Friday, residents will enjoy a three-day weekend from September 5 to 7, creating one of the longest short breaks of the year.
- The extended weekend is expected to spark a surge in staycations, cultural events, and local tourism, as families balance spiritual observance with leisure.
The holiday announcement
The decision was issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources for the public sector and separately confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for the private sector. This ensures that all employees in the UAE, across federal departments, government-linked entities, and private companies, will have the day off. The holiday aligns with the Islamic calendar, where the Prophet’s birthday falls on the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal each year. Following moon-sighting updates, Rabi Al Awwal began on August 25, 2025, placing the observance on September 5.
Why September 5 matters this year
In many years, the Prophet’s birthday holiday lands mid-week, giving residents only a single day off. This year, however, the timing has worked out differently. Because the holiday falls on a Friday, it automatically extends the weekend, offering UAE residents a rare three-day break that runs through Saturday and Sunday. This is expected to create a short boost in domestic tourism, with hotels, restaurants, and leisure destinations preparing special offers for residents looking to make the most of the long weekend.
How residents can spend the long weekend
For many families, this unexpected break is an opportunity to recharge:
- Staycations & Hotels: Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Dubai are expected to see higher demand, with staycation packages tailored for the holiday rush.
- Cultural & Religious Reflection: Many will observe the day in prayer, reflection, and family gatherings, marking the Prophet’s birthday with spiritual significance.
- Day Trips & Experiences: Theme parks, desert safaris, and cultural districts like Al Seef and Sharjah’s museums often see increased footfall during long weekends.
Importantly, the holiday is not limited to government workers. By covering both public and private sector employees, the UAE has ensured consistency across the workforce, giving equal opportunity for rest and celebration. This reflects the country’s broader policy of aligning official holidays across sectors, a move welcomed by businesses and workers alike.
FAQ
Q. Which sectors are observing the holiday on September 5? All federal government employees (via the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources) and private sector workers (as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) are officially granted the day off.Q. Why does this year’s holiday fall on September 5? Assigning the date follows the Islamic lunar calendar. After the crescent moon wasn’t seen on August 23, Rabi Al Awwal began on August 25, placing the 12th day, observed as the Prophet’s birthday, on Friday, September 5.Q. Who will benefit from the long weekend? Everyone, public and private sector employees, can enjoy a three-day weekend, as Friday aligns with the regular Saturday–Sunday break.
