UAE Announces Public Holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

The United Arab Emirates has declared Friday, September 5, a public holiday for both public and private sector employees in observance of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The holiday, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, falls on the 12th day of the Islamic lunar month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. Due to alignment with the regular weekend (Saturday and Sunday), most residents will enjoy a three-day break. In Sharjah, where Friday is already part of the weekend for government employees, the holiday will also extend to three days.

The date was confirmed after the moon sighting for Rabi’ al-Awwal was not observed in the UAE on August 23. The country’s astronomical center confirmed that the month of Safar lasted 30 days, and the new month began on Monday, August 25. This placed the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal on September 5.

This year presents a rare situation: Saudi Arabia and the UAE will celebrate the occasion on different days, as the crescent moon was sighted a day earlier in the Kingdom. The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, with each month beginning upon the sighting of the new crescent. In the UAE, a special committee convenes on the 29th of each month to confirm the start of the following month.

Source: Khaleej Times