Public Holiday Announcement in the UAE

The authorities in the United Arab Emirates have officially designated Sunday, September 15, as a public holiday for the private sector, in celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While Sundays are typically non-working days for many in the UAE, the upcoming holiday will not significantly impact most residents. This is because public holidays that coincide with weekends do not get rescheduled to a weekday, meaning that many UAE residents will not receive an additional day off this year.

However, a significant change is on the horizon for next year. A new resolution, as outlined in Part Two of UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, introduces alterations to how certain public holidays will be observed starting next year. According to this resolution, if a holiday falls on a weekend, it “may be carried over by a Cabinet decision to the beginning or end of the week.” This provision will not apply to the holidays of Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, but it does imply that if a public holiday lands on a Saturday or Sunday, an additional day off could potentially be granted on the preceding Friday or the following Monday.

The Islamic calendar, which is lunar-based, differs from the more commonly utilized Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based. This distinction is essential as it affects the scheduling of holidays.

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When is the next UAE public holiday that will actually be a day off? The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that Sunday, September 15, 2024 (12 Rabi al-Awwal 1446H), will be a paid public holiday for private sector employees to honor the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This auspicious occasion is celebrated widely across the region, and the MoHRE shared this announcement via their official Twitter account.

Upcoming Public Holidays in the UAE

Looking ahead, UAE residents can anticipate a delightful extended four-day weekend at the beginning of December in celebration of UAE National Day. Commemoration Day will be observed on Saturday, November 30, while National Day festivities will take place from Sunday, December 1, through Tuesday, December 3. This arrangement allows workers in the UAE to enjoy both Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3, off work, resulting in a four-day break when combined with the weekend.

For those eager to plan their time off, the year 2024 promises at least 12 public holidays to look forward to. It’s never too early to start organizing your schedule to maximize your time away from work. Curious about which dates are worth saving? Click here to see predictions for public holidays in 2025.

If you’re in need of inspiration for a staycation, there is an array of enticing hotel deals and offers available throughout the UAE that you can take advantage of right now.

The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), celebrated on the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, holds significant importance across many Islamic nations, including those in the Gulf region. Countries like the UAE traditionally observe this day with a national holiday, reflecting the cultural and religious reverence associated with it.

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