Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) in the United Arab Emirates
Mawlid commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is an official public holiday in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE lists it on 12 Rabi al-awwal, with Islamic holiday dates determined by moon sighting.[1]
Meaning and UAE observance
Mawlid is a religious commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. In the UAE, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has marked the occasion with an official ceremony focused on the Prophet’s example and values including mercy, patience and good character.[2]
Documented UAE events show that observance can include sermons, lectures and poetry. Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has also described an event with sermons, lectures and cultural and nasheed activities. These examples show some organized forms of observance; they do not establish a single practice followed by everyone across the Emirates.[2][3]
A paid public holiday
The UAE Government lists the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday among the public holidays that apply to both the public and private sectors. For private-sector workers, federal employment law provides paid leave on Cabinet-defined public holidays. If work conditions require an employee to work that day, the law provides for compensation with another day off or additional pay.[1][4]
The holiday falls on 12 Rabi al-awwal in the Islamic calendar. Because Islamic holiday dates are determined by moon sighting, the corresponding date in the Gregorian calendar changes from year to year.[1]
Transfer and weekend rules
The Cabinet may move listed holidays, other than Eid holidays, to the beginning or end of the week by issuing a resolution. The resolution also says a holiday cannot be moved if it coincides with another public holiday or falls on a weekend. A weekend date therefore does not automatically create a substitute day off.[5]
What to expect for services
Public offices close, but some services can continue. A Dubai Government Human Resources Department notice for Mawlid excluded departments and services that serve the public, manage public service facilities or operate shifts, with working arrangements set by operational needs. Private-sector workers may also be required to work where conditions require it, under the compensation rules in employment law.[4][6]
Check the particular branch, service or operator before making plans, especially when an in-person appointment or journey depends on it.[1][6]
Frequently asked questions
Is Mawlid a public holiday in the UAE?
Yes. The UAE lists the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday as a public holiday for both the public and private sectors.[1]
When is Mawlid observed?
The UAE lists it on 12 Rabi al-awwal. The Gregorian date changes each year, and Islamic holiday dates are determined by moon sighting.[1]
Is a replacement day given when it falls on a weekend?
Not automatically. The Cabinet resolution says a holiday cannot be transferred if it falls on a weekend or coincides with another public holiday.[5]
Will banks, shops and transport services be open?
Can an employee be asked to work on Mawlid?
Some roles may require work on a public holiday. Federal employment law provides private-sector workers compensation with another day off or additional pay when work conditions require them to work.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) in United Arab Emirates:
- Public holidays- The Official Platform of the UAE Government
- General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat celebrates anniversary of birth of Prophet Muhammad- Abu Dhabi Media Office
- Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi Al-Sharif- Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Dubai
- Federal Decree-Law Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationship- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 Concerning the Public Holidays in the State- United Arab Emirates Legislations
- DGHR announces holiday for public sector on Prophet Muhammad’s birthday- Dubai Government Media Office