Laylat al-Mi'raj in the United Arab Emirates
Laylat al-Mi'raj recalls the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension in Islamic tradition. Although it is associated with 27 Rajab, the UAE’s current federal public-holiday resolution does not list it as a nationwide day off.[1][2]
The Night Journey and Ascension
In Islamic tradition, Isra refers to the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Further Mosque in Jerusalem; Mi'raj refers to his ascent through the heavens. The Qur’an’s opening verse of chapter 17 refers to the night journey, while later accounts describe the ascension.[3]
The National Library of Israel describes 27 Rajab as the date associated with the event in some accounts. The date is part of the Islamic lunar calendar, so its corresponding Gregorian date shifts from year to year.[3]
What UAE law says
Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 sets out the UAE’s federal public holidays. Its list includes Islamic occasions such as Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, but does not include Laylat al-Mi'raj. The UAE Government’s public-holidays page says its listed holidays apply to both the public and private sectors.[1][2]
The resolution allows the Cabinet, by a separate decision, to move most listed holidays to the start or end of a week. It also says a public holiday cannot be moved if it coincides with another public holiday or a weekend. Since Laylat al-Mi'raj is not on the resolution’s federal list, those transfer rules do not create a nationwide day off for it.[1]
The resolution permits local governments to designate other holidays for their own government departments and corporations. That provision does not establish a countrywide Laylat al-Mi'raj holiday. Check with local government departments or corporations about any local designation for this occasion.[1]
Observance and practical planning
Distinguish personal or religious observance from official leave rather than assume a single way the occasion is marked.
Because the occasion is absent from the federal list, residents and visitors should not assume that government offices, banks, schools, shops or transport services will close. Check the relevant organisation or service for its own hours, especially if a local authority or employer has announced a separate arrangement.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Laylat al-Mi'raj a public holiday in the UAE?
When is Laylat al-Mi'raj observed?
It is associated with 27 Rajab in the Islamic lunar calendar, though accounts differ on the event’s date. Its Gregorian date changes from year to year.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Laylat al-Mi'raj in United Arab Emirates:
- Cabinet Resolution of 2024, Concerning the Public Holidays in the State- United Arab Emirates Legislations
- Public holidays- The Official Platform of the UAE Government
- Israʾ and Miʿraj: The Night Journey and Ascension- National Library of Israel