The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially confirmed that the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, falling on September 29, 2023, will be observed as a public holiday. The Federal Authority For Government Human Resources made the announcement, bringing much-awaited clarity to the citizens and residents of the UAE.
However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the private sector will also observe this day as a public holiday. The relevant authorities are expected to make an announcement soon. If the private sector is included, it could mean a long three-day weekend from Friday, September 29 to October 1, for those who typically have weekends off on Saturday and Sunday. Work would then resume on Monday, October 2, 2023.
In 2022, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) declared Prophet Mohammed’s birthday a public holiday. However, as the date fell on a Saturday, those who usually enjoy a two-day weekend on Saturday and Sunday did not get an extra day off.
Other public holidays in 2023
Looking ahead, UAE residents can anticipate more public holidays in 2023. In December, there will be another long weekend at the start of the month. Commemoration Day, previously known as Martyrs’ Day, is marked annually on December 1, which falls on a Friday in 2023. Immediately after this, the UAE celebrates National Day on December 2 and 3, which fall on a Saturday and Sunday respectively. This could potentially result in a three-day weekend for the final long weekend of the year.
Following these holidays, the next public holiday will be in 2024, starting the New Year with a public holiday on January 1. As this day falls on a Monday, it could once again mean a long three-day weekend for the residents of the UAE.
For official announcements and updates on public holidays, residents are advised to stay tuned to local news outlets.