Mawlid is the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth, observed according to the lunar Hijri calendar

At its heart, Mawlid is a time of remembrance: Muslims reflect on the life and character of the Prophet, his mercy, justice and compassion, through extra prayers, readings from the Qur’an and the Prophet’s biography (sīrah), and gatherings that emphasise learning and charity. Because the Hijri calendar is lunar (and about 11 days shorter than the solar year), the date shifts each year in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, for example, the UAE observes the holiday on Friday, September 5. Many Sunnis observe on 12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal, while many Shi‘a mark it on 17 Rabi‘ al-Awwal.

How the observance evolved

While devotion to the Prophet has always been central to Muslim life, commemorating his birth as a community occasion developed over time. Sources note court-sponsored Mawlid observances among the Fatimids in Egypt by the late 11th century. Popular celebrations spread more broadly by the 13th century, with later formal recognition in parts of the Ottoman world. Today, Mawlid is marked in many Muslim-majority societies with lectures, poetry, processions, charitable giving and community meals, practices that vary by culture but share an emphasis on honoring the Prophet’s example.

Why it’s a public holiday in some places, and not in others

Across the Arab world (and well beyond it), many governments designate Mawlid as a public holiday to facilitate communal worship, family gatherings and civic events. Egypt, Morocco and the UAE are among the countries that officially mark the day. In 2025 Egypt’s Cabinet fixed Thursday, September 4 as the paid day off, Morocco’s religious authorities set Saturday, September 5, and the UAE confirmed Friday, September 5.

Elsewhere, particularly where Salafi/Wahhabi interpretations are prevalent, Mawlid may not be treated as a public holiday. Scholars in these traditions view establishing a special celebration as a religious innovation (bid‘ah), so countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar historically do not grant an official day off, even as Muslims there honor the Prophet in everyday practice.

A note on dates and etiquette

Because the holiday’s timing depends on local moon-sighting, communities may observe Mawlid on slightly different days; both the 12th and 17th of Rabi’ al-Awwal appear in well-known narrations and are respected across the Muslim world.

For residents and visitors in the UAE, the public holiday is a moment to join friends and family in reflection, attend lectures or mosque programs, or simply use the quieter day to learn more about the Prophet’s life and teachings, the spirit that animates Mawlid wherever it’s observed.