UAE announces private sector holiday for the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday

Dignitaries and citizens attend the 45th UAE National Day celebrations held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in 2016. Photo: Crown Prince Court — Abu Dhabi

Fireworks at La Mer in Dubai mark the UAE's 48th National Day in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Visitors flock to Ras Al Khaimah's Eid Al Adha fair at RAK Exhibition Centre in 2019. Reem Mohammed / The National

Shoppers head to Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, on the first day of Eid, in May 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National

Beachgoers at Kite Beach in Dubai, during the Eid Al Adha public holiday in August 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National

Rollerbladers at Masdar Park in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, during the Eid Al Fitr break in May 2020. Victor Besa / The National

Festive lights illuminate the Corniche in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Eid Al Adha. Victor Besa / The National

Shoppers at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, on the last day of Eid Al Adha, in August 2020. Victor Besa /The National

Decorative lights illuminate the Corniche in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Hijri New Year, in August 2020. Victor Besa / The National

When is the UAE's next public holiday?

The UAE’s private sector workers will have a holiday on Saturday, October 8, to mark the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced the news on Tuesday.

The holiday is marked by observance rather than celebration, with festivities kept to a minimum.

Public and private sectors in the Emirates typically have unified holidays.

How many public holidays are left this year?

The UAE is expected to have a long weekend in early December.

It starts with Commemoration Day, for those who lost their lives serving their country, on Thursday, December 1. The National Day holiday is on December 1 and 2.

Official days off for these days are listed as Thursday, December 1, until Sunday, December 4.

The first public holiday next year is likely to be in April for Eid Al Fitr, when residents can expect a four-day weekend.