UAE announces 3-day weekend for Islamic new year
The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar is based on lunar cycles, with the new year starting on the first day of Muharram—one of the four sacred months in Islam. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, Islamic dates shift annually by about 10-12 days, as they depend on moon sightings. This year's holiday follows the UAE Cabinet's pre-approved list of 2025 public holidays, with the exact date confirmed by official moon-sighting committees.
While the FAHR's announcement applies to federal government employees, private sector workers will follow the UAE's labor law, which grants them the same public holidays unless otherwise stated by their employers. Residents should confirm with their HR departments to ensure alignment.
This holiday comes shortly after the extended Eid Al Adha break, giving residents yet another opportunity to relax, travel, or spend time with family. With a three-day weekend ahead, many may take advantage of short getaways or staycations, boosting local tourism and hospitality sectors.
Dubai's summer 4-day work week returns in 2025 – and it's a game-changer
What's Open, What's Closed?
While government offices and some businesses will close, shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues are expected to remain open, offering special promotions and events to mark the occasion. Public transport schedules may also see slight adjustments, so commuters should check for updates.
The Hijri New Year is more than just a day off—it's a moment for spiritual reflection and renewal. Many Muslims use this time to set intentions for the year ahead, recite prayers, and engage in charitable acts.
12 activities to try over the long weekend in the UAE
As the UAE continues to balance modern life with deep-rooted traditions, this holiday serves as a reminder of the country's cultural and religious heritage. Whether you're planning a getaway or a quiet weekend at home, make the most of this well-deserved break. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images & Feature Image: @humairaa_____
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
7 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE climbs to joint second spot in Global Muslim Travel Index as demand surges
3 July 2025 23:33 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The UAE has cemented its place as one of the world's leading destinations for Muslim travellers, jumping three spots to a joint second place in the latest Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025. The country shares the second spot with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, each achieving a score of 78, the index ranking underscores the UAE's strategic push to attract faith-conscious tourists through investments in infrastructure, digital innovation, and tailored hospitality - positioning the Emirates as a global hub for halal travel at a time when demand is soaring.'The UAE offers an environment that seamlessly blends Muslim-friendly services and modern luxury,' the report said. 'For Muslim travellers, the destination features widespread availability of prayer facilities in public. Halal restaurants and diverse cuisines cater to dietary needs while celebrating Islamic cultures,' it added. The annual index which analyses over 153 destinations on various metrics predicts the market for Muslim travel will reach 245 million arrivals by 2030, from 176 million in 2024. The UAE is well placed to capitalise on this trend, as it continues to challenge Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye for the top position. The Emirates score highly across the GMTI's ACES framework - Access, Communications, Environment, and Services - the key pillars used to evaluate the quality of destinations for Muslim travellers. It was particularly strong in 'access' where it ranked first, with world-class air, rail, and road infrastructure making the country easily accessible to a large portion of the world's Muslim travellers. Another standout area highlighted in the report is the UAE's digital innovation in the tourism sector. Initiatives such as smart apps, integrated travel platforms, and real-time digital services have improved both convenience and confidence for faith-conscious travellers, setting the UAE apart from many competitors. Moreover, the country's simplified visa processes and targeted marketing campaigns have also paid dividends, broadened the UAE's appeal, and facilitated a smoother travel experience. Investments in cultural experiences, including museums, heritage sites, and Islamic art centres, were noted for further strengthening the UAE's offering, catering to a new generation of Muslim travellers seeking experiences that combine leisure with cultural enrichment and religious values.
10 hours ago
Dubai's most serene night swim spots to cool down this summer
Without limiting outdoor pools winter, Dubai is always a step ahead when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities such as a night swim even during summer. Ideal for cooling off after work or starting your weekend, night swims offer spectacular skyline and sea views, cool waters, and the laid-back glamour that defines the emirate's warmer months. Overall, night swims have emerged as the city's chicest way to cool off, offering a blend of serene ambience, skyline views, and elevated leisure. Whether it's a twilight dip at AURA Skypool with panoramic vistas of the Palm, a curated evening affair at La Cantine Beach, or the understated luxury of Drift's moonlit lounging, these after-dark escapes redefine summer in the city. Curated with softly lit pools, curated soundtracks, and menus designed for poolside indulgence, night swims are no longer just a reprieve from the heat, they're the new social hour for those who prefer their summer soirées served with a side of starlight. So if you're deciding where to go and what to wear, see our full Emirates Woman guide to keep you occupied during summer. SĀN Nestled along the scenic Palm West Beach, SĀN Beach invited guests to experience the allure of moonlight waters and starry skies with late-night swims. Guests can bask under the stars and experience the vibrant pool bar until 9PM. Post swim, visitors can savour a delectable dinner at the restaurant to further elevate their evening. It starts at 6pm, with access priced at Dhs300, making it full redeemable for ladies and half for gents. For more information visit Maison De La Plage Maison de la Plage is turning up the heat and cooling things down with the launch of its Night Swims experience. As the sun sets over West Palm Beach, the venue transforms into a tranquil twilight escape, inviting guests to dine, unwind, and enjoy a moonlit swim. With the beach closed for summer, all sunbeds are relocated poolside, where the water is cooled to offer the perfect evening dip. Running daily from 7PM to 11PM, the experience blends laid-back luxury with the charm of coastal nights. Guests on sunbeds can enjoy the Beach Lounge menu, while those at dining tables will indulge in the à la carte offering. Rates start at Dhs250 on weekdays (Dhs100 redeemable) and Dhs350 on weekends (Dhs200 redeemable), making this the ultimate summer sundown ritual. For more information visit One & Only Royal Mirage As the sun dips below the horizon, Al Janoub Pool at The Palace shimmers to life, setting the stage for Moonlight Swim—a sultry, starlit escape held every Friday and Saturday from 7PM to 11PM at One&Only Royal Mirage. This adults-only affair transforms the infinity pool into a twilight sanctuary, where summer beats echo through the night and the views stretch endlessly across Dubai Harbour Marina and Palm Island Bay. Guests can sip handcrafted cocktails in plush private cabanas, float under a canopy of stars, or sink into loungers surrounded by lush gardens and curated soundscapes. With its dreamy setting and effortless elegance, Moonlight Swim offers a chic new way to soak in summer, where the vibe is cool, the water warm, and the night full of possibility. The minimum spend is Dhs250 for poolside access and Dhs500 for private cabanas. For more information visit La Cantine Beach – Delano As golden hour fades into an indigo glow, La Cantine Beach unveiled its Après-Soleil Night Swim, an elevated twilight ritual. Running every Thursday to Saturday from 7PM onwards, this moonlit dip comes with sunbeds for Dhs249 and lounges Dhs299, both fully redeemable against a curated night swim menu. A bottle of chilled grape is also offered at a special price of Dhs400 for those looking to toast the evening in style. With ambient lighting, panoramic views of Ain Dubai, and chic summer bites by the shore, it's your new after-dark escape—where the city's heat gives way to something far cooler. For more information visit Here's your styling guide for the perfect night swim: – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @zozoewitherspoon
Broadcast Pro
18 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Viory expands outreach with new deals across Africa and Arab nations
The partnerships aim to strengthen cross-border media collaboration across Africa and the Arab world through content exchange, technological integration, and knowledge sharing. Viory, the video news agency focused on the Global South, has strengthened its presence across Africa and Arab-speaking countries by forging new alliances with leading regional media organisations. At the 25th Arab Radio and Television Festival hosted by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) in Tunisia, Viory signed Memoranda of Cooperation with Agence Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) and the O.I.C States Broadcasting Union (OSBU). These collaborations reinforce Viory's commitment to building cross-regional bridges between Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the broader Global South. TAP and OSBU are key players in developing regional media landscapes, and their collaboration with Viory underscores a shared commitment to content exchange, mutual growth, and technological advancement. Through its partnership with TAP, Viory plans to facilitate content sharing and joint projects that will enrich national media ecosystems and deepen understanding of local markets and cultural contexts. The agreement also establishes a framework for sharing knowledge and raising journalistic standards to meet the demands of the digital era. The newly formed alliance with OSBU, a network of broadcasting organisations representing O.I.C member states, will give Viory access to an extensive array of media outlets. This strategic collaboration is designed to enhance cross-border content distribution and foster cooperation on a broader scale across the Islamic world. Zulayho Siddikova, General Manager of Viory, said: 'These new partnerships with Agence Tunis Afrique Presse and the O.I.C States Broadcasting Union are instrumental to Viory's ambitious outreach into Arab world, African region and beyond. Following our successful Memorandum of Cooperation signing with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, these latest agreements reinforce our dedication to building a strong network of media partners across the Global South.' Siddikova added: 'We are excited to leverage these collaborations to deliver innovative solutions and high-quality content that empowers local media and connects communities.' Together, the new partnerships highlight Viory's expanding role as a cross-regional connector in today's multilingual and multicultural media environment.
