The UAE has officially announced that Friday, 5 September, will be a public holiday for the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday. The announcement was made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) through its official social media channels.
In a circular issued to all ministries and federal agencies, FAHR confirmed that the holiday applies to the public sector, with private sector confirmation expected shortly.
The announcement follows the International Astronomy Centre’s declaration that Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, began on 25 August, placing the Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday on 5 September this year.
The Prophet's (PBUH) birthday, called Mawlid al Nabi, is honoured annually across many Muslim nations and involve prayers, religious poetry, community gatherings and feasts.
The holiday provides residents and families across the UAE with a long weekend, giving them the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and enjoy community activities.