UAE announces public and private sector holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the official holiday to commemorate the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday. Public and private sector employees in the UAE will have a holiday on Friday, September 29, to mark the day, reported state news agency WAM.

The ministry issued a circular to all departments and federal agencies notifying the official holiday for federal government employees.

The circular stated, “Based on the decision of the Council of Ministers regarding the approved official holiday agenda for the government and private sectors in the country for the year 2023, it has been decided that the Prophet’s Birthday holiday will be on Friday, September 29,” reported WAM.

Additionally, MoHRE announced a paid holiday for private sector employees as well to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Friday, 29 September, 2023 (14 Rabi al-Awwal 1445H) is a paid public holiday for private sector employees to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him).

On this auspicious occasion, we…

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) September 18, 2023

Holiday to set up long weekend in September

As per tradition, Muslims observe the 12th day of the Islamic calendar month of Rabi Al Awwal as Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) the day of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The government’s notification marks the day to commemorate the Prophet’s birthday for the Islamic Hijri calendar year 1445 AH.

The holiday sets up an extended three-day weekend towards the end of September, especially for those who have the traditional Saturday-Sunday weekend format.

The public and private sectors in the Emirates typically have the same holidays.

#مجلس_الوزراء يعتمد أجندة العطلات الرسمية للعاملين في القطاعين الحكومي والخاص للعام 2023 pic.twitter.com/mgZiXfbaby

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) November 27, 2022

Kuwait announces holiday

Kuwait has announced the holiday date to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

The Cabinet declared September 28 as a holiday for those serving in the public sector.

This sets up a three-day weekend for those working in the public sector as the holiday falls on a Thursday. For those who have a five-day work week, the weekends are marked on a Friday and Saturday which sets up a three-day long weekend at the end of this month.