Private sector employees in the UAE will enjoy a three-day weekend as Friday, September 5, has been declared a public holiday to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The holiday coincides with 12 Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic Hijri calendar, a day observed by Muslims worldwide. With the holiday falling on a Friday, it will extend the weekend to include Saturday and Sunday for most private sector workers.
The announcement follows a similar decision earlier for government employees, who will also have September 5 off. In Sharjah, where Fridays are already part of the official weekend, the break effectively begins a day earlier.
The UAE’s astronomy centre confirmed that the crescent moon marking Rabi Al Awwal was not sighted on Saturday, August 23. As a result, the month of Safar was completed with 30 days, placing 12 Rabi Al Awwal — the Prophet’s birthday — on Friday, September 5.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
