Possible Long Weekend for UAE's Rabi Al Awwal Festivity

Rabi Al Awwal Moon Not Sighted in UAE – Three-Day Weekend Possible for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday?

Residents of the United Arab Emirates and much of the Muslim world were eagerly awaiting the appearance of the Rabi Al Awwal moon at the end of August. This month not only marks the third month of the Islamic calendar but also a highly significant religious event: the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), celebrated on the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal. This celebration often means an official holiday in many countries, potentially leading to a long weekend in the UAE, pending an official announcement.

The Role of Moon-Sighting in the Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hizri calendar, is based on the lunar cycles. Each month begins with the appearance of the young crescent moon, observed on the 29th day of the month by moon-sighting committees in each country, including the UAE. If the crescent is not visible, the month automatically extends to 30 days, and the new month begins the following day.

On Saturday, August 23rd, the UAE Astronomical Center announced that the crescent moon of Rabi Al Awwal was not observed with the naked eye, telescopes, or advanced astronomical imaging technology. This indicates that the month of Safar extended to 30 days, with Rabi Al Awwal beginning on Monday, August 25th in the UAE.

Differences in the Muslim World

Moon-sighting can vary geographically. Interestingly, Saudi Arabia, a religious center of the Islamic world, marked August 24th as the first day of Rabi Al Awwal. In contrast, the UAE commenced the month a day later, on August 25th. This is a rare circumstance, as the two countries often begin Islamic months simultaneously.

In the following countries, Rabi Al Awwal began on Sunday, August 24th:

Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia

While in these states, including the UAE, the new month commenced only on Monday, August 25th:

Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and the Expected Holiday

Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) birthday is celebrated on the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal, a religious and cultural event of great significance. In the UAE, this occasion is typically an official public holiday. As Rabi Al Awwal 12th will fall on Friday, September 5th in 2025, authorities may designate it as a public holiday, resulting in a three-day weekend for residents: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

It is important to note, however, that the UAE government has yet to issue an official announcement regarding the holiday on September 5th. Historically, such announcements occur a few days before the event.

Significance of Rabi Al Awwal

The month of Rabi Al Awwal is one of the most sacred periods in the Muslim world, especially due to the Prophet's birthday. The name of the month can be translated to mean “the first month of spring.” In many countries, religious commemorations, cultural events, educational programs, and charity events are organized. In the UAE, community gatherings, lectures, and festive events are common, focusing on honoring the Prophet's life and teachings.

Aside from its spiritual significance, the month allows believers to deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings, practice charity, and strengthen community ties.

Technical Challenges in Moon-Sighting

The Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory team successfully captured an image of the crescent marking the end of Safar month on August 22nd, despite a dusty and partially cloudy sky, but it was insufficient to accurately establish the start of Rabi Al Awwal. The astronomical center confirmed on Saturday that the crescent was not visible by any method, delaying the start of the month.

What Can UAE Residents Expect?

The prospect of a three-day weekend excites many, particularly families with school children, working professionals, and the tourism sector. Should the holiday be officially declared for Friday, numerous hotels, restaurants, event organizers, and tourism service providers in Dubai might prepare special offers and events for the long weekend.

Many residents have already begun planning their weekend activities regardless of the pending announcement. Long weekends provide excellent opportunities for domestic travel, family outings, or simply relaxing at home.

Summary

While the Rabi Al Awwal moon was not observed in the UAE on Saturday, the new month officially began on August 25th. The Prophet’s birthday, therefore, falls on Friday, September 5th, potentially resulting in a three-day long weekend if approved by the government. Residents await the official announcement with anticipation, as parts of the Muslim world prepare to celebrate. The Rabi Al Awwal month is not merely a calendar period but carries deep spiritual and communal significance that resonates anew each year.

(Source: Based on the Hizri (Islamic) calendar.)