The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Friday, 5 September, 2025 (12th of Rabi Al Awwal) will be a paid public holiday for private sector employees to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The announcement comes after the non-sighting of the crescent for Rabi Al Awwal on Saturday, August 23. This finding by the UAE's astronomy centre confirmed the month of Safar would last 30 days and the third month of the Hijri calendar would begin on Monday, August 25, leading the Prophet's (PBUH) birthday — which falls on 12 Rabi Al Awwal every year — to coincide with September 5.

Earlier it was announced that the same day will be a paid holiday for federal government employees this year.

UAE public holiday Prophet Muhammad birthday 2025 12 Rabi Al Awwal holiday UAE MoHRE holiday announcement UAE private sector holiday UAE federal government holiday paid holiday UAE September 202