UAE announces public holiday for govt employees on Prophet’s birthday

Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes

The UAE has announced Friday, September 5, as a public holiday for government employees nationwide to mark the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.

The decision follows the non-sighting of the crescent moon for Rabi al-Awwal on Saturday, August 23.

The UAE astronomy centre confirmed that the month of Safar would last 30 days, meaning the third Hijri month begins on Monday, August 25.

Consequently, the Prophet’s birthday, observed annually on 12 Rabi al-Awwal, will coincide with September 5 this year.

Prophet’s birthday: Three days off for government employees

This would mean a three-day holiday for government employees to mark the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, as Saturday and Sunday are the official weekend.

In Sharjah, public sector staff already observe Friday as part of their weekend schedule.

تقرير رؤية هلال شهر ربيع الأول لعام 1447 هـ

رؤية هلال شهر ربيع الأول يوم السبت 23 أغسطس 2025م من المنطقة العربية غير ممكنة لا بالعين المجردة ولا باستخدام التلسكوب، ولا حتى باستخدام تقنية التصوير الفلكي فائقة القوة.

أما رؤية الهلال يوم الأحد 24 أغسطس فهي ممكنة بالعين المجردة… pic.twitter.com/RriCkLp0Iy

— مركز الفلك الدولي (@AstronomyCenter) August 24, 2025

In a rare divergence, Saudi Arabia will observe the Prophet’s birthday a day earlier, following a successful moon sighting within its borders.

The Hijri lunar calendar relies on actual moon sightings, with the next month declared on the 29th day of each month when the UAE committee meets to observe the crescent and confirm the next month’s start.

Read: Planning your next break? Here’s the list of UAE public holidays in 2025