Mashable: Hold onto your kanduras and kaftans—Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a weekend of reflection, joy, and yes, a little sparkle, as the UAE marks the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday with a three-day weekend from September 5 to 7. Whether you're feeling spiritual, cultural, or just looking for some halal fun, here are 10 fabulous ways to celebrate the Prophet’s birth in the capital like you mean it.

Attend a Milad gathering Start your weekend on a spiritual high. Many mosques and Islamic centers across Abu Dhabi will host Milad-un-Nabi gatherings—a soulful mix of Quran recitations, poetry (nasheeds), and stories about the Prophet’s life. Dress modestly, bring your heart, and soak in the peace. Sunset reflections at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque This isn’t your average selfie spot.

This architectural wonder becomes extra magical at sunset—the perfect time to reflect on the values of compassion, humility, and unity that the Prophet embodied. Pro tip: Go just before Maghrib prayer and feel the serenity settle in. Midnight dessert Majlis with your crew Milad doesn’t mean boring. Throw a cozy dessert majlis at home or hit up one of Abu Dhabi’s many late-night cafes.

Serve up Arabic sweets like maamoul, kunafa, and luqaimat, and chat about the Prophet’s legacy of kindness and community over cardamom-infused gahwa. Take a cultural deep dive at Qasr Al Hosn Channel your inner culture queen (or king) with a visit to Qasr Al Hosn. Learn about Abu Dhabi’s Islamic heritage and how Emirati traditions intertwine with the Prophet’s teachings. Expect exhibitions, performances, and maybe even a falcon or two.

Because learning is lit. Give back with a charity drive What better way to honor the Prophet’s birthday than to give back? Gather your friends and pack hygiene kits, food baskets, or donate to local charities. Some mosques even organize community drives you can join.

Bonus points for involving the little ones and teaching them early! Nasheed night at home (or Carpool karaoke Halal edition) Skip the Spotify Top 40 for once and blast some classic Islamic nasheeds. Create a cozy mood with fairy lights, oud incense, and that one cousin who sings too loud. Or, if you're on the move, crank up the car speakers and vibe out during the drive.

“Tala’al Badru Alayna” hits different under starlight. Make it a book club moment Pick a biography of the Prophet (PBUH) and gather your friends for a faith-fueled book club night. Pair it with karak, a cozy blanket, and deep conversations. Try In the Footsteps of the Prophet by Tariq Ramadan or Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings.

Real talk and reflection—minus the spoilers. Cook Up a Sunnah-inspired feast Ditch Uber Eats for a night and cook up a Prophetic-style dinner. Think dates, lentil soup, barley bread, roasted lamb, and honey desserts. Bonus: Share the meal with neighbors just like the Prophet would have.

Hit the desert for a spiritual retreat Need a break from the city noise? Grab your friends, a portable speaker, and a hot thermos of tea, and head into the dunes. The desert is where revelation began—it’s also where peace finds you without trying. Stars above, silence around, and spiritual vibes all the way.

Dress up & show up at a community celebration Many cultural centers and community organizations host family-friendly Milad events with everything from storytelling and kids’ games to traditional music and food. Dress in your best festive attire—flowy abayas, elegant kanduras, and those sparkly sandals you've been saving for a “special day.” Come for the culture, stay for the sambosa. So light the oud, warm the gahwa, and let the good vibes roll.