Private sector holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday announced
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has declared Friday, September 5, 2025 (12th of Rabi Al Awwal), as a paid public holiday for private sector employees in the UAE to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The announcement means that private sector employees will enjoy a three-day weekend, with the holiday coinciding with the regular Saturday–Sunday break. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that federal government employees will also receive the same day off, aligning both sectors in observance of the occasion.
The Prophet’s birthday, or Mawlid Al-Nabi, is regarded as a time of spiritual reflection rather than festivity. Many Muslims choose to observe the day through fasting, prayers, and recitation of the Quran. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca in the year 570 AD, though the precise Gregorian date remains uncertain. The occasion is traditionally marked on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
With this announcement, UAE residents can look forward to an extended weekend in September. The year will conclude with more public holidays in December for Commemoration Day and UAE National Day, potentially offering additional long weekends.
