Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, is observed on the 12th day of the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The date of Mawlid al-Nabi changes every year, as the Islamic calendar is 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This year, it's predicted to fall on Wednesday, September 27.
In Dubai, the paid public holiday commemorating this occasion will take place on Friday, September 29. Both federal government workers and private sector employees will benefit from this three-day weekend, having Friday, Saturday and Sunday off work. Normal work activities will resume on Monday, October 2.
In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad is considered the most important messenger as the Holy Quran was revealed to him. Mawlid al-Nabi plays an important role in the worldwide Muslim community. On this day, practising believers put up decorations in their homes, on the streets and in mosques. Worshippers wear beautiful clothes, gather together, spend time learning more about the prophet's life and enjoy celebratory meals with their close ones.