A national public holiday has been declared on December 24 to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him).

As a result, both the UAE’s public and private sector will be entitled to a paid holiday on Thursday December 24 as announced by the Ministry of Labour, earlier on Sunday.

The day off has been postponed as per UAE labour law, with the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) officially marked on December 23.

This means licensed premises across the UAE will be dry from 5pm on Tuesday December 22 until 6.30pm on Wednesday December 23.

Last year, this occasion was marked with a public holiday on January 3.

December 24 also happens to be Christmas Eve, which means Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day will all be days off for those who work standard working weeks in the UAE.

– For more on Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow What’s On on Facebook.