With Eid Al Adha behind them, UAE residents are already looking ahead to the next long weekend in 2025. The good news: the upcoming public holiday for Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthday falls on a Friday — September 5 — delivering a natural three-day break when combined with the weekend.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: The Next UAE Long Weekend
Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthday marks Rabi' Al Awwal 12 in the Islamic calendar. For 2025, the expected date is Friday, September 5, which means UAE workers will enjoy Friday through Sunday off — a full three-day long weekend.
Because Islamic holidays are determined by moon sightings rather than a fixed Gregorian date, UAE officials will issue the final confirmation just before the event. The holiday could shift by one day depending on the lunar observation.
Islamic New Year: Another Holiday Still to Come
The Islamic New Year, observed on Muharram 1, is also on the 2025 public holiday calendar. The exact date has not yet been officially confirmed, as it too depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon. Residents should watch for an official announcement from UAE authorities in the weeks leading up to the expected date.
UAE National Day: December 2 and 3
Capping off the year, the UAE's National Day (Eid Al Etihad) is a fixed two-day public holiday on December 2 and 3, 2025. Unlike Islamic holidays, these dates do not depend on the lunar calendar and are confirmed in advance.
The UAE Cabinet announced the full public holiday schedule for 2025 earlier in the year. Some dates are set — such as National Day — while Islamic observances remain subject to moon-sighting confirmation issued by UAE authorities.
Full Count: 12 UAE Public Holidays in 2025
Across the entire year, UAE residents can enjoy 12 public holidays in 2025. Mark September 5 in your calendar now, and stay tuned for the official announcement. If Prime Minister approval is granted ahead of time, that long weekend could be the perfect opportunity for a quick getaway before December's main festivities begin.
