Is There a Public Holiday for Prophet Muhammad's Birthday This Year?

Following a recent amendment to UAE public holidays, it's unclear whether Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday will be a holiday.

Earlier this year, it was announced that both the UAE's private and public sectors would have their public holidays aligned, to help 'achieve balance' between the two. Approved by the UAE Cabinet, the initial announcement excluded two prominent religious holidays; Isra'a Wal Mi'raj (Prophet's Ascension) and Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday.

At first, it was believed that this was owed to the fact these religious holidays are confirmed based on moon-sightings and would be announced closer to each event - as such was the case with Islamic New Year this August.

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Then followed a circular issued by the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources, which saw the re-introduction of the two religious holidays on the public holiday calendar.

So the question remains, will we have a day off for Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday this November?

The occasion, which is also known as Milad un Nabi, is expected to fall on Saturday, November 9 on the Gregorian calendar. Meaning, the religious holiday is observed on the 12-Rabi al-awwal-1441 on the Islamic calendar. If it falls on a Saturday, it is unlikely we'll have a day off on a Sunday. However, we won't know for sure until the moon is sighted closer to the occasion.