Time to Take a Breather
There’s something incredibly refreshing about hearing the words long weekend. For most UAE residents, juggling fast-paced work weeks and personal responsibilities, even a single extra day off can feel like a mini vacation. The good news? Another long weekend is approaching—and it’s coming up sooner than you think.
It’s not just about having a break from work. It’s about giving yourself the chance to reset, recharge and make meaningful memories. Whether it’s a staycation, a road trip to the mountains, or simply sleeping in without an alarm, long weekends bring that much-needed pause.
Why Long Weekends Matter More Than Ever
In the hustle of everyday life in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, it’s easy to lose track of time. The weekdays melt into each other, and before you know it, months have passed without a proper moment to breathe.
That’s why these long weekends hold such value. They’re not just government-announced holidays; they’re permission slips for people to rest. To spend more time with family. To call a friend. To read that book gathering dust on the shelf. Or to take that road trip you’ve been putting off for too long.
A long weekend is a pocket of freedom—a little break from the routines that often become overwhelming.
Perfect Time to Plan Ahead
The smart ones already know the power of planning early. Hotels tend to fill up quickly. Flights? Prices shoot up the moment a holiday is confirmed. And if you’re thinking of staying in town, even restaurants and beach resorts get booked fast.
Now is the perfect moment to ask yourself: how do I want to spend this upcoming break?
Some might crave solitude—maybe a solo retreat in Ras Al Khaimah or a wellness escape in Fujairah. Others might want adventure: hiking trails, desert safaris, or kayaking through mangroves. And then there are those who simply want to curl up on the sofa, binge-watch a series, and order their favourite takeout.
Whatever your idea of relaxation is, the time to book, plan and visualise it is now.
A Boost for Mental Health
Never underestimate what even a short break can do for your mental health. That single extra day of sleep, that one evening with no work emails, that ability to cook a proper breakfast without rushing—those little things matter.
When you return from a long weekend, there’s often a noticeable shift. You feel more centered. You respond to things better. Your mind isn’t racing with deadlines or to-do lists. Sometimes, just a tiny window of pause can make an entire week more manageable.
In a culture that praises productivity, it’s radical to rest. But it’s also necessary. These long weekends are gentle reminders that we weren’t built to constantly grind. We need recovery time—mentally and physically.
What This Means for Families
For families in the UAE, especially those with school-going children, long weekends are golden opportunities. They offer quality time, free from the usual chaos of weekday school runs, homework and meetings.
Whether it’s a visit to a theme park, a spontaneous drive to Hatta, or a beach picnic in JBR, these moments become core memories for children. They may not remember what they studied on a random Tuesday, but they’ll always remember that time the whole family built sandcastles together or watched the sunset from a dhow cruise.
It’s also a great time for family discussions—open chats without the pressure of routine. From small bonding rituals like cooking together to bigger plans like discussing future goals, long weekends allow families to reconnect on a deeper level.
Embrace the Slower Pace
In a region known for being fast-moving and constantly evolving, taking it slow is a gift. The long weekend is your chance to wake up without rushing, to eat breakfast without checking your calendar, to walk outside without a purpose other than enjoying the weather.
Try starting your day with a walk by the Corniche or through Al Qudra’s trails. Maybe journal your thoughts over a cup of tea. Or take your yoga mat to the balcony and let the early morning sun hit your face.
These small rituals, though simple, ground you. They offer a deeper kind of rest—one that goes beyond sleep. They remind you that life isn’t just about achieving; it’s also about being.
Opportunities for Discovery
One of the most overlooked parts of long weekends is the chance to discover new things close to home. The UAE is full of hidden gems—from cultural exhibitions and heritage villages to nature escapes and quirky cafes.
Perhaps you’ve passed that art gallery a hundred times and never stepped in. Or heard of a sunrise hike but never tried it. Long weekends open the door to experiences we’ve postponed for too long.
So go explore that part of the city you never visit. Say yes to that museum, that pottery class, that old bookstore tucked away in a quiet corner of Sharjah. Discovery doesn’t always need a passport. Sometimes, it just needs a little extra time.
Make Space for Stillness
It’s easy to feel pressure during long weekends—to do something impressive, to fill your feed with exciting updates. But the most powerful way to spend it might just be stillness.
Sit quietly. Breathe. Reflect.
Maybe you’ve had a rough few weeks. Maybe you’re going through a personal shift. Maybe life has been heavy, and you haven’t had a moment to process it all. This upcoming long weekend could be the space you’ve needed. A silent permission to let go, heal, and ease into yourself again.
How to Make the Most of It
Use this time to check in with yourself. What have you been needing lately? More laughter? More sleep? More adventure? More quiet?
Be intentional. Don’t just fall into your regular off-day habits. Choose how you want this long weekend to feel. Do you want energy or calm? Activity or stillness?
Set boundaries with work if you can. Turn off your notifications. Don’t let emails or Slack messages creep into your sacred hours. The world will wait.
Give Yourself a Gift—Time
In the end, that’s what long weekends are—a gift of time. You don’t need to do anything grand or expensive to make it count. Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts that have the deepest impact.
Read that novel you abandoned months ago. Cook your mother’s favourite recipe. Call someone you’ve missed. Or just stare at the sky and let your mind wander.
Long weekends remind us that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s a chance to step off the treadmill and just be. And in a place as vibrant and buzzing as the UAE, those moments of pause are more precious than ever.
So take a deep breath. Look at your calendar. And get excited—because another long weekend is just around the corner. And it might be exactly what your soul’s been waiting for.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
How to Stay Safe on the Roads During the Dust Warning in Abu Dhabi
