UAE announces public holiday for Prophet’s birthday

Thursday October 21st 2021, has been announced as a holiday for the public sector on the occasion of Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources made the announcement on Sunday and added that work would resume on Sunday October 24th.

The ministry has since confirmed that Thursday October 21st will also be a paid holiday for all workers in private sector companies, establishments and facilities in the country. Public and private sectors in the Emirates typically have unified holidays.

Also commonly known as ‘Milad un Nabi’, this day is observed as a public holiday in many countries with a large Muslim population as it commemorates the anniversary of the birth of the founder of Islam and the proclaimer of the Qurʾan.

The birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal. In Arabic, the holiday is referred to as Eid Al Mawlid Al Nabawi. The authority wished President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, as well as the people of the UAE and the Arab and Islamic nations on this occasion.

This holiday is less of a celebration and more of an observance. It is encouraged for Muslims to spend the day connecting with God spiritually, by either fasting or reading the Quran. Muslims commemorate the anniversary of the birth of the Messenger of God.

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday in UAE

Public Holidays in UAE for 2021