Isra’a Wal Miraj holiday in UAE on May 16

Al Isra’a Wal loosely translates from Arabic as the ‘Night Journey and Ascension’, referring to the miraculous journey — in one night — of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) from his home in Makkah to Jerusalem, followed by his ascent to heaven.

The UAE has declared Saturday May 16 as official holiday for the public and private sectors to mark Al Isra’a Wal Miraj, according to the Federal Authority of Human Resources.

UAE private sector companies will get Saturday as a holiday, according to the Labour ministry. For those not working on Saturday, the holiday will not be compensated.