UAE families make the most of final long weekend with staycations, outings and gatherings before schools reopen.
With the UAE’s three-day weekend falling during the final days of the summer break, families across the country are making the most of the extra time together before children return to school on August 31.
The UAE declared Friday, August 28, a public holiday for both the public and private sectors to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), giving employees who usually have Saturday and Sunday off a three-day weekend.
For families, the long weekend comes as preparations for the new academic year get underway. While some are making the most of the break with short outings and staycations, others are opting for family gatherings or relaxed days at home before regular school routines resume.
For Dubai mother Mouza, whose two children, Hasher and Almaith, are entering Grade 3 and Grade 1 respectively, the final weekend of the summer break will be kept simple and enjoyable.
“We are planning family outings within the UAE, and we may do a simple staycation if we find a suitable place for the children,” she said.
“We prefer short outings and family gatherings at this time because they keep the children happy without tiring them. We want the final days of the holiday to be enjoyable, without a packed schedule or exhausting travel, especially with school just around the corner.”
Mouza said the family is also gradually preparing the children for the return to school by adjusting their sleep schedules, organising school supplies and building excitement for the new academic year.
“We feel it is important to gradually bring their sleep routine back, prepare their things and get them excited for the new year in a positive way, without making them feel that the holiday has suddenly ended,” she said.
For Ajman resident Abeer Al Nuaimi, who has three children — Omar, Alia and Ibrahim — the long weekend will be spent with extended family at their grandparents’ home in Dubai.
“We decided to spend this weekend at the grandparents’ house in Dubai and create a fun family atmosphere for the children before they return to school,” she said.
The family has set up a swimming pool and large water slides, with cousins joining the children for swimming, water games, ice cream and playtime.
“We wanted the end of the holiday to be connected to happy and simple family memories for them,” Al Nuaimi said.
Instead of travelling, the family prefers spending time together, particularly in the days before school resumes.
“I feel these gatherings give the children a chance to enjoy the final days of the holiday with their family and cousins, while also preparing them mentally to return to their routine and school feeling happy and positive,” she said.
“You don’t have to travel to create beautiful memories for them. Sometimes the best moments are simply being together as a family.”
A quieter finish
For some families, the final day of the long weekend will focus less on outings and more on preparing for the week ahead.
Mouza plans to divide the weekend between outings, family time and a quieter day at home.
“We are planning one day for an outing and having fun, another day for a family gathering, and the final day will be quieter at home to organise the school things and prepare the children mentally and practically for a smooth start,” she said.
Al Nuaimi also believes the best way to end the summer break is to ensure children return to school feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.
“For me, the best way to end the summer holiday is for them to return to school after spending happy and enjoyable days with the family,” she said.
With the new academic year beginning on August 31, the three-day break gives families one final chance to spend relaxed time together before school runs, early mornings and weekday routines resume.
