UAE announces public sector holiday for Prophet’s birthday

The UAE Cabinet has said that Sunday, November 18 will be a public holiday for all ministries and federal authorities.

Government workers will get the day off instead of Tuesday, November 20, which is expected to mark Mawlid Al Nabi – the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

Read: The UAE’s next public holiday to fall later this month

This will mean a three-day weekend with work resuming on Monday, November 19.

“The UAE Cabinet extended its greetings on the occasion to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates,” state news agency WAM said.

UAE law allows the government to shift national holidays to the closest weekend to avoid disruption.

Holiday dates for the private sector have yet to be announced.