Quick answer: Mother’s Day in the UAE is celebrated every year on 21 March. Popular flowers for Mum are pink peonies, carnations (the traditional Mother’s Day flower), roses in soft pink or white, and flower baskets that arrive ready to display. Order a day or two early, because 21 March is one of the busiest days of the year for florists.
Flowers are still the most loved Mother’s Day gift. Here is how to choose the right ones and get them to her on time, from the florists at 800petals.
When is Mother’s Day in the UAE?
The UAE celebrates Mother’s Day on 21 March every year, the same fixed date used in many Arab countries and the first day of spring. Because the UAE is home to so many nationalities, some families also celebrate on their home country’s date:
- UAE and much of the Arab world: 21 March.
- United Kingdom: Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, which usually falls in March.
- USA, India, Australia and many other countries: the second Sunday of May.
If you’re not sure which date your family follows, 21 March is always a safe choice in the UAE.
The best flowers for Mum
- Peonies: full, soft and romantic. Our Dreamy Peonies arrive in a glass vase, or choose the Pink Peony Basket.
- Carnations: the original Mother’s Day flower. Anna Jarvis, who started Mother’s Day in the United States, handed out white carnations at the first celebration in 1908. Try Pretty in Pink.
- Pink roses: they say thank you and admiration. See our guide to rose colour meanings.
- Spring flowers: daffodils and tulips suit the first day of spring. Yellow Glory mixes both.
- Flower baskets: no vase needed. The Royal Basket and Large Floral Symphony Basket are favourites.
- Something that lasts: an orchid or indoor plant keeps giving for months. Browse our indoor plants and read our orchid care guide.
See the full Mother’s Day flowers collection.
Mother’s Day card message ideas
- “Happy Mother’s Day, Mum. Thank you for everything you do.”
- “To the best mum in the world, with all my love.”
- “Happy Mother’s Day! Wish I could be there to give you these in person.”
- “For the woman who taught me everything. Love you always.”
Tips for Mother’s Day delivery
- Order one or two days early. Demand peaks on 21 March, and ordering ahead gives you the widest choice.
- Choose morning delivery so she can enjoy the flowers all day.
- Give full address details: building or villa name, flat number, area and a phone number that will be answered.
- Pick flowers that arrive ready to display, in a vase or basket, if Mum doesn’t keep vases at home.
Frequently asked questions
Mother’s Day in the UAE is on 21 March every year. It is a fixed date, unlike the UK and US, where it falls on a Sunday that changes each year.
No. The UAE celebrates on 21 March, while the UK celebrates Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and the US and many other countries celebrate on the second Sunday of May.
The carnation. White carnations were handed out at the first Mother’s Day in 1908, and pink carnations are still a classic choice today. Peonies and pink roses are also very popular.
Order at least one or two days before 21 March. It is one of the busiest days of the year for florists, so earlier orders get the best choice of designs and delivery times.