The UAE has officially declared Sunday, 15 September 2024 a public sector holiday to mark Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi) — the prophetic birth anniversary falling on the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal on the Islamic lunar calendar. The announcement was published in the official UAE government gazette, with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources issuing the circular to all federal entities.
Who Gets the Day Off
The holiday applies to public sector employees across the UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) also confirmed a paid holiday for private sector workers on the same date, making 15 September a nationwide day of observance.
Prophet Muhammad's birthday is celebrated not only in the UAE but across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, where it is recognised as a public holiday.
Why Most Residents Won't Get a Long Weekend
Despite the official designation, most UAE residents will not enjoy an extended break. Sunday 15 September falls on a weekend under the UAE's Saturday–Sunday weekend calendar, meaning the working week simply resumes on Monday, 16 September — no extra day off is granted.
Under the current framework, public holidays that coincide with weekends do not automatically shift to an adjacent weekday. This is set to change going forward.
New Rule: Holidays Can Shift to Weekdays from 2025
UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 introduces a significant update to how clashing holidays are managed. From 2025, when a public holiday falls on a weekend, the Cabinet may transfer it to the beginning or end of the working week — potentially creating longer breaks for residents and workers.
The rule covers most official public holidays, with two notable exceptions: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha cannot be shifted, as their dates are tied to specific Islamic religious observances.
The transfer is not automatic; the Cabinet must issue a specific annual decision confirming which holidays — if any — will be moved each year.
UAE National Day: A Four-Day Weekend Ahead
Looking ahead, December 2024 brings the next major holiday cluster. Commemoration Day falls on Saturday, 30 November, while National Day activities span Sunday 1 December to Tuesday 3 December. Public sector employees receive 2 and 3 December as official days off, which — combined with the weekend — adds up to a four-day holiday break.
UAE Public Holidays 2025: 12 Days Off
The UAE has 12 official non-working days scheduled for 2025. With the new Cabinet Resolution in force, some of those holidays may be shifted when they fall on weekends, opening the door to more long-weekend opportunities throughout the year.
