UAE announces public holiday for government employees on Prophet’s birthday

The United Arab Emirates has officially announced Friday, September 5, 2025, as a public holiday for all government employees to mark the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.

This religious event, widely celebrated by Muslims across the globe, falls on 12 Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Long Weekend for Government Workers

With the announcement, government employees across the UAE will enjoy a three-day weekend, since Saturday and Sunday are already official weekend days in the country.

In Sharjah, however, public sector employees will have a slightly different schedule, as Friday is already part of their regular weekend under the emirate’s adopted workweek model.

Private Sector Employees Also Benefit

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that private sector employees will also receive a holiday on the same date. For those working on a Saturday–Sunday weekend schedule, this will likewise translate into an extended break.

Moon Sighting Determines Holiday

The official date was set after the Rabi Al Awwal moon was not sighted in the UAE on Saturday, August 23, 2025. According to the UAE Astronomy Centre, the month of Safar would last 30 days, making Monday, August 25 the start of Rabi Al Awwal. Consequently, the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal — the date of the Prophet’s (PBUH) birth anniversary — corresponds to Friday, September 5 this year.

Rare Difference Between UAE and Saudi Arabia

In a notable exception, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will not celebrate the Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday on the same day in 2025. Saudi Arabia sighted the moon a day earlier than the Emirates, leading to the variation in dates.

How the Islamic Calendar Works

The Hijri (Islamic) calendar follows the lunar cycle, with each month beginning after the sighting of the new crescent moon. On the 29th day of every Hijri month, the UAE’s official moon-sighting committee convenes to observe the crescent and declare the beginning of the next month.

This system ensures religious occasions, such as the Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday, Ramadan, and Eid festivals, are determined in line with traditional lunar observations.