As I’m sure everyone has heard by now, Al Hijri or the Islamic New Year is going to be observed next week.
Officials have announced that both public and private sectors will get Thursday off (September the 13th), giving us all a nice long weekend to look forward to.
تقرر أن يكون يوم الخميس الموافق 13 سبتمبر الجاري عطلة رسمية مدفوعة الأجر لجميع العاملين في منشآت ومؤسسات وشركات القطاع الخاص في الدولة بمناسبة رأس السنة الهجرية.#وزارة_الموارد_البشرية_والتوطين #إجازة_رأس_السنة_الهجرية #راس_السنه_الهجريه #الامارت pic.twitter.com/MSez5A3SJx
— MOHRE_UAE (@MOHRE_UAE) September 5, 2018
In light of the Islamic New Year, Dubai will be observing a Dry Night from 6pm on Monday, September 10 to 7pm on Tuesday, September 11, which means that outlets will not serve any alcohol or permit any live entertainment during these timings, as a sign of respect.
If you need a bit of inspiration, here’s a list of activities to try during the long weekend:
Go to Vox ‘s first ever licensed outdoor cinema

The new cinema has just opened at Aloft City Centre Deira -which is a cinema themed hotel overlooking the stunning Dubai Creek. If you’re not a fan of outdoor cinemas especially in the scorching summer heat, worry not my friend, as Vox has your outdoor cinema needs sorted. The venue features a retractable roof, which means that it’s air conditioned during warmer climes while in winter, you enjoy the cool breeze.
Where: Aloft City Centre Deira
Price: Dhs75 (single), Dhs150 (double)
Contact: website
Go on a romantic date
Dubai has an infinite number of picture-perfect locations for all you lovebirds out there. So snap on your favourite LBD and embark on a romantic adventure with that special someone by hitting up one of these romantic restaurants
Check out The Museum of Illusions
The museum features a plethora of illusion rooms designed to make you question reality. You can expect an upside down room, a vortex tunnel room and much, much more. Click here for more info.
