Prophet Mohammed's birthday: Holiday confirmed after Rabea Al Awwal moon spotted

The UAE's moon-sighting committee has officially declared that the Prophet Mohammed's birthday will be observed on August 25, based on the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday night. This determination places the start of Rabea Al Awwal, the 12-day period commemorating the Prophet's birth, on August 14 according to the Islamic calendar.

Consequently, the Prophet's birthday, falling on the 12th day of Rabea Al Awwal or August 25 in the Gregorian calendar, will be a public holiday on Friday, August 28, just prior to the commencement of the school year. This decision was implemented by the UAE Cabinet on January 1, 2025, which allows for the relocation of certain public holidays, except for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, to either the beginning or end of the week.

The Prophet Mohammed, born in Makkah in 570, was commemorated with observances rather than grand celebrations, keeping festivities relatively subdued.