Saturday 4th of February has been declared a public holiday for the private sector in the United Arab Emirates to mark Milad Al Nabi - the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Minister of Labour Saqr Ghobash made the announcement in a circular issued on Monday.

Ghobash extended greetings on the auspicious occasion to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and to the people of the UAE, as well as Islamic nations.
 
Earlier, Humaid Mohamed Al Qattami, Minister of Education, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Human Resources, on Monday issued a circular to all Federal Ministries and Institutions on the occasion of Mawlid, the birthday celebration of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), which falls on Saturday, February 4.

He said that as this event falls on an official holiday it therefore shall not be transferred or compensated for, according to the Cabinet decree No. 13 of 2010.

The circular said article 5/100 of the federal cabinet resolution no. 11 of 2008 reads ''A public holiday shall not be transferred or compensated if it falls on a public holiday or at the weekend".

Al Qattami congratulated the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, people of the UAE and Muslim countries all over the world on this occasion.