Latest news with #CommemorationDay
Al Etihad
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Union Pledge Day celebrates UAE's historic path to unification
17 July 2025 22:14 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)The UAE marks Union Pledge Day on July 18, celebrating a national occasion that honours the past, inspires future generations, and reaffirms the shared values that have shaped the country since its Pledge Day commemorates the pivotal meeting held on July 18, 1971, when the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Rulers, signed the declaration of the Union and announced the official name of the UAE. This historic moment laid the foundation for the formation of the United Arab Emirates later that year on December occasion was introduced last year by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation's values of unity, ambition, and determination.'On this day in 1971, the Founding Father and his brothers the Rulers signed the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution while announcing the name of our country: the United Arab Emirates. In preparation for the nation's establishment on 2 December, it was a historic day on which they laid the foundations of the Union. Today, we declare 18 July as Union Pledge Day, a national occasion to celebrate the history of our country and the blessed journey towards establishing the Union,' His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wrote, announcing the occasion last Pledge Day is now officially the first major celebration on the UAE's annual calendar of national is followed by Flag Day (November 3), Commemoration Day (November 30), and Eid Al Etihad, or National Day (December 2).While not yet a public holiday, Union Pledge Day is designed to be a reflective and educational occasion, inviting citizens, residents, and visitors to pause and honour the country's aims to deepen awareness, particularly among the youth, about the UAE's formation and the dedication of its leaders and its people to achieve unity. The observance also reinforces national values laid down by Sheikh Zayed, which continue to guide the UAE's path toward progress and prosperity.
What's On
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
UAE National Day 2025 could mean a 5-day long weekend
National Day in the United Arab Emirates is always a highlight of the year, but for 2025, festivities are shaping up to be larger and possibly longer than ever. Officially observed on December 2 and 3, this year's celebrations fall on a Tuesday and Wednesday, opening the door to an extended holiday weekend for residents and visitors alike. Could it be a five-day weekend? With National Day landing midweek, many are hoping the government will declare Monday, December 1 as an additional public holiday — effectively kicking off a five-day break from Friday, November 28 through Wednesday, December 3 . While this extension hasn't been officially confirmed, past announcements and the UAE's commitment to enhancing work-life balance suggest it's a possibility worth watching. December 1 is usually when Commemoration Day is observed, although it's officially recognised on November 30. This would follow the government's recent practice of shifting midweek holidays to create longer, more practical breaks — as seen earlier this year with the Islamic New Year. What makes National Day special? National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, celebrates the founding of the UAE in 1971 when the seven emirates united under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It's a time for patriotic pride — from dazzling fireworks and light shows on landmarks like the Burj Khalifa to military parades, air displays by Al Fursan, and cultural showcases in heritage villages across the country. Don't miss these events Expect streets, malls, hotels and homes to be decked in the red, green, white and black of the UAE flag. Fireworks night will light up Dubai Festival City, Abu Dhabi Corniche and Sharjah's Al Majaz Waterfront. Don't miss cultural parades, drone shows, concerts featuring both Emirati and international artists, and children's performances by schools in traditional dress. Outdoor arenas will host flag-raising ceremonies, while the skies above ADNEC will be electrified with air acrobatics. Whether it ends up being a three-day or five-day holiday, National Day 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest yet — full of community pride, patriotic fun and cultural depth. Keep an eye out for official announcements in the coming months, but go ahead and start planning your festive celebrations now. Stay tuned to What's On for all the latest public holiday updates. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Emirates Woman
03-07-2025
- General
- Emirates Woman
The UAE's next long weekend might be closer than you think
News by Sarah Joseph July 3, 2025 Before the UAE National Holiday, another one-day holiday for residents can be closer than you think. One of the key dates in the 2025 UAE public holiday calendar is the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (PBUH), which falls on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' Al-Awwal. The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will be the next public holiday in the UAE. Believed to be on Rabi Al Awwal 12, residents will get an extra one-day off, potentially leading to a long weekend in September. The next public holiday in the UAE is expected to be the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), likely falling on September 4 or 5, 2025. Thanks to a new law allowing holiday shifts, residents could enjoy a relaxing three-day weekend. When is Prophet Muhammad's Birthday in 2025? If Rabi' Al-Awwal begins on Monday August 25, then the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (PBUH) should fall on Friday September 5. This would give Dubai residents a three-day long weekend when combined with Saturday and Sunday. However, if Rabi' Al-Awwal begins on Sunday August 24, then Prophet Muhammad's birthday (PBUH) should fall on Thursday September 4. This would give Dubai residents an additional day off during the working week. When are the next holidays? This being said, more holidays are set to come later in the year, including Commemoration Day and National Day in early December. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Abu Dhabi Mosque
What's On
12-06-2025
- What's On
Islamic New Year 2025: When will the official date be announced?
Waiting for the next UAE public holiday announcement? Well, the Islamic New Year is set to fall on Thursday, June 26, but we will receive confirmation from UAE officials on the evening of June 25, as this holiday is tied to the moon sighting. Islamic New Year is also referred to as Hijri New Year and marks the start of the Islamic lunar year (the first day of Muharram), which is based on the sighting of the new moon. It won't be a long weekend, but it will bring you a mini-break from your workweek. The Islamic calendar is based on the moon, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun. Each Islamic month begins after the sighting of the new crescent moon. The visual sighting of the new moon is a crucial part of tradition and is usually done by trained observers. What is the significance of Hijri New Year? Hijri or Hijiri comes from the Arabic word Al Hijra meaning 'flight' or 'migration' and it marks the day that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) travelled from Makkah to the city of Al Madina El Monawara, in the Gregorian calendar year of 622AD. What other public holidays are there in 2025? If you're curious, there are more public holidays after the Islamic New Year. Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) birthday will then fall on Friday, September 5, 2025. If it is a confirmed holiday by the UAE, this means we will get a three-day-long weekend (for those of us who have a two-day weekend). After September 2025, our next public holiday is in December for Commemoration Day and UAE National Day. Commemoration Day falls on Monday, December 1, and UAE National Day will follow directly after on December 2 and 3 which are Tuesday and Wednesday. Which means, if you enjoy a two-day weekend, you will have a lovely five-day-long weekend. However, we will have to wait for the official announcements, so stay tuned to for the announcements. Images: Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
09-06-2025
- What's On
So, when is the next public holiday in the UAE in 2025?
If declared, it's not too long a wait… Back at your desks after a long Eid break and wondering when the next UAE public holiday is? Don't worry, we (feel you and) have the answer to your question. And thankfully, it's not too long a wait… The next upcoming holiday is Islamic New Year, and it should fall at the end of June. Islamic New Year in 2025 is set to fall on Thursday, June 26, 2025. It won't be a long weekend, but it will bring you a mini-break from your workweek. It is also referred to as Hijri New Year and marks the start of the Islamic lunar year (the first day of Muharram), which is based on the sighting of the new moon. A s the holiday is tied to the moon sighting, we will have to wait for confirmation from the UAE officials. What is the significance of Hijri New Year? Hijri or Hijiri comes from the Arabic word Al Hijra meaning 'flight' or 'migration' and it marks the day that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) travelled from Makkah to the city of Al Madina El Monawara, in the Gregorian calendar year of 622AD. What other public holidays are there in 2025? If you're curious, we do some more public holidays after Islamic New Year. Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) birthday will then fall on Friday, September 5, 2025. If it is a confirmed holiday by the UAE, this means we will get a three-day-long weekend (for those of us who have a two-day weekend). After September 2025, our next public holiday is in December for Commemoration Day and UAE National Day. Commemoration Day falls on Monday, December 1, and UAE National Day will follow directly after on December 2 and 3, which are Tuesday and Wednesday. Which means, if you enjoy a two-day weekend, you will have a lovely five-day-long weekend. We will have to hear from the officials, so stay tuned to for the updated announcements. Images: Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
