Paid Holidays on account of Mawlid al-Nabi 15 September 2024 (12 ربيع الأول)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a paid holiday for the public sector on Sunday, September 15, 2024, in observance of Mawlid al-Nabi, or the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.

This annual Islamic celebration is held on 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is marked by Muslims across the globe to honor the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 12 ربيع الأول

The Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is a day of immense spiritual and cultural importance for Muslims. It commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the last prophet by Allah for the whole world and a figure revered for his teachings of peace, mercy, and kindness.

The day is used to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet, with Muslims reciting prayers, reading about his life (the Seerah), and engaging in acts of charity. The occasion is an opportunity for individuals to come together, strengthen their faith, and spread compassion in their communities.

The UAE, as a Muslim-majority country, places great emphasis on this day, and it is a significant public holiday, allowing residents to pause and engage in both personal reflection and communal activities.

Paid Holidays for Public Sector

The iFederal Authority for Government Human Resources in the UAE issued a circular announcing the paid holidays for the public sector on Sunday, September 15, 2024. This decision is in line with the UAE Cabinet’s policy regarding official paid holidays for the year.

While this announcement specifically affects public sector employees, many private companies in the UAE may also follow similar guidelines, offering their staff a day off or paid holidays to observe the religious occasion. The holiday offers residents a chance to rest and reflect, while also enjoying an extended weekend with their families.

Celebrations in the UAE

In the UAE, Mawlid al-Nabi is observed with a mix of religious, cultural, and social activities. Though celebrations vary, they are often characterized by:

Prayers and Sermons: Mosques across the country hold special prayers and sermons to commemorate the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Islamic scholars deliver lectures highlighting his message of unity, compassion, and righteousness.
Recitation of the Quran: Many households and mosques organize gatherings where passages from the Quran are recited, and stories of the Prophet’s life and deeds are shared to inspire the community.
Charity and Acts of Kindness: Following the Prophet’s example, many UAE residents engage in acts of charity, donating to the less fortunate and participating in community service events.
Family Gatherings: It is common for families to come together on this day, sharing meals and reflecting on the values taught by the Prophet. Some also prepare traditional dishes and sweets as part of the celebration.
Public Decorations: In some areas, public spaces and mosques may be adorned with lights and banners that display Islamic calligraphy and messages about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Long Weekends Ahead

Following the Prophet’s birthday holiday, UAE residents can look forward to an extended break in December for National Day. This year, National Day will fall on December 2 and 3, 2024, which lands on a Monday and Tuesday, creating a four-day weekend when combined with the Saturday-Sunday weekend. National Day celebrations in the UAE are renowned for their grandeur, featuring parades, fireworks, and cultural events.

Bottom-line

As the UAE prepares to observe Mawlid al-Nabi on September 15, the paid holidays offers a chance for residents to reflect on the values and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The day is a moment for both personal spiritual reflection and community bonding through charity, prayers, and gatherings. With the UAE government granting paid holidays, public sector workers, and likely many private sector employees, will have the opportunity to celebrate and honor the occasion in their own meaningful ways.