Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi to close on November 9 for Iqbal Day

On Monday, November 9, 2026, the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi will observe Allama Iqbal Day by closing its doors to the public. This announcement was made by the embassy through a notice shared on social media, informing members of the Pakistani community in the United Arab Emirates about the temporary suspension of services. The embassy urges community members to take note of the holiday when planning visits or requiring consular assistance.

Allama Iqbal Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned poet, scholar, and philosopher born in Sialkot in 1877. Widely regarded as the ideological founder of Pakistan, Iqbal played a significant role in shaping the country's intellectual and political thought. In recognition of his contributions, Allama Iqbal Day is observed annually in Pakistan on November 9. The government declared the date a public holiday to honor the late intellectual and political pioneer.

The Cabinet Division's notification, issued on Thursday, announced that Monday, November 9, would be a public holiday throughout the country to mark Allama Iqbal Day. This decision was based on a circular released by the Cabinet Division in January, which listed public and optional holidays for 2026. In light of this information, Pakistani residents in the UAE requiring embassy services are advised to adjust their schedules accordingly and check the embassy's official channels for further updates.