UAE President hails 'legacy of kindness' as he marks Prophet Mohammed's birthday

Sheikh Mohamed praised the Prophet's timeless values of friendship and empathy in warm tribute on Friday

President Sheikh Mohamed has lauded the timeless values of the Prophet Mohammed. Photo: Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed has paid homage to an “inspirational legacy of kindness” as he marked the Prophet Mohammed's birthday.

The UAE leader said the Prophet's “timeless values” continue to be a guiding light for society.

The holiday is typically a time for quiet reflection rather than celebration, with festivities scaled back.

“On the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), we continue to be guided by his noble character, his timeless values and his inspirational legacy of kindness, friendship and empathy for all of humanity,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on Twitter on Friday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, called on humankind to follow the Prophet's path.

"On the anniversary of his birth, which illuminated the east and west of the earth, we renew our love to him, follow his path and spread the mercy that he brought to the world," Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.

"He is the most merciful human to humans, the most truthful and the most ethical."

Both the private and public sector will have a holiday on Saturday, October 8, to mark the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.

Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre said toll charges on the capital's roads would be waived on Saturday.

Sunday will remain toll-free as usual, with standard charges resuming from 7am on Monday.

Surface parking will be free in Abu Dhabi from Saturday until 7.59am on Monday.

Parking spaces at the Musaffah M-18 lorry parking lot will also be free of charge during the official holiday.

Expo City Dubai will mark the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday with special free events that are open to the public from Friday until Sunday.

The evening activities will run from 6.15pm to 9pm for the three days and feature Al Malid performances.

Al Malid is the art of religious singing and is considered one of the most prominent local, traditional art forms, embodying the culture and values of the UAE and rooted in Arab and Islamic heritage.

Preparations for the Prophet Mohammed's birthday — in pictures