The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has declared that Sunday, September 15 (12 Rabi al-Awwal 1446H) will be a paid public holiday for private sector employees in celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). As per the regulations, employees who are typically scheduled to work on Sundays will have the right to request a compensatory day off in lieu of this holiday. By law, employers have the authority to require employees to work on official public holidays. However, in such cases, the employer must provide the employee with either compensatory leave or a full day's salary, along with an additional 50 percent of the basic salary for working on the holiday.
Furthermore, if operational needs necessitate that an employee work on holidays, the employee must be compensated with either a substitute rest day for each day worked or be paid their regular salary for working days plus a supplement of at least 50 percent of their basic salary for that day. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has also issued a circular confirming a public sector holiday for this occasion.
In many Islamic nations, including those in the Gulf region, the Prophet's birthday is commemorated on 12 Rabi' Al-Awwal 1444, which is the third month of the Islamic calendar. Following this holiday, UAE residents can look forward to a longer break in December for National Day. December 2 and 3 fall on a Monday and Tuesday, respectively, which, when combined with the weekend, results in a four-day holiday.
