Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are using the extra time provided by the three-day weekend to spend the last days of summer vacation together before children return to classes on August 31st.
The holiday was announced in the UAE on August 28th for both public and private sectors in observance of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (peace be upon him), allowing employees who usually rest on Saturday and Sunday to have a three-day break.
For families, this break falls during a period of active preparation for the new academic year. Some families prefer short trips or staying home (staycation), while others organize family gatherings and relaxed days at home before resuming the school routine.
Musa, a mother from Dubai with two children—Hashir, who is entering the 3rd grade, and Almait, who is starting 1st grade—plans to make the last summer weekend light and enjoyable. She reported that they plan to take family outings within the UAE or enjoy simple relaxation at home if they find a suitable place for the children.
Musa emphasized that they enjoy short walks and family get-togethers during this time because they delight the children without tiring them out. She noted the desire to spend the last days of vacation happily, avoiding a hectic schedule or exhausting trips, especially given the imminent start of the school year.
Furthermore, Musa shared that the family is gradually preparing the children for their return to school by adjusting sleep schedules, organizing school supplies, and enthusiastically helping them prepare for the new academic year.
Abeer Al Nuaimi, a resident of Ajman with three children—Omar, Alia, and Ibrahim—decided that the long weekend would be dedicated to a family gathering at their grandparents' house in Dubai. She explained that they decided to spend the weekend at the older generation's home to create a cheerful atmosphere for the children before they return to school.
The family prepared a pool and large water slides where cousins will join for swimming, water games, ice cream, and play. Al Nuaimi stated that she wanted the end of the holidays to be associated with happy and simple family memories for the children.
Instead of traveling, the family prefers to spend time together, especially in the days leading up to the start of the new academic year. In her opinion, such meetings allow children to enjoy the last days of vacation with family and relatives while mentally preparing them for returning to the usual routine and school in a positive mood. She added that it is not necessary to travel to create wonderful memories; sometimes the best moments are simply spending time together as a family.
Some families plan to use the last day of the long weekend not for going out, but for preparing for the upcoming week. Musa intends to divide the weekend between trips, family time, and a quieter day at home to organize school matters and prepare the children both mentally and practically for a smooth start.
Al Nuaimi also believes that the best way to end the summer is to leave the children rested, not exhausted. She concluded that the ideal end to the summer vacation is returning to school after the children have spent happy and pleasant days with their family.