File Photo: A man prepares 'Al-Moulid brides' made from sweets traditionally associated with the Moulid El-Nabi holiday, which recognises the birth of Prophet Mohamed. Mai Shaheen
The decision applies to ministries, governmental bodies, public facilities, municipalities, public enterprises and public business sector companies.
The Moulid, which is commemorated on 12 Rabi' Al-Awwal – the third month on the Islamic calendar – falls this year on 19 October on the Gregorian calendar.
The government decided last year to make Thursday a day off whenever a public holiday falls on a weekday to give citizens a chance to have a long weekend. The decision applies to all national holidays except for Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and Coptic Christmas.
Minister of Manpower Mohamed Saafan is also expected to make the same announcement for private sector employees.
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