Thursday 30 November, 2017 will be a day off for the public sector in Egypt on the occasion of Moulid El-Nabi, or the Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Friday will be the first day of the third Islamic month, Rabei Al-Awwal, thus making the 12th of the month –- the day the Prophet was born -– Moulid El-Nabi.

The Islamic year is based on a lunar system with months lasting for 30 or 29 days, thus making the Islamic year shorter than years based on the Gregorian calendar.

The Prophet’s birthday is a holiday widely celebrated across Egypt and the Islamic world.

In Egypt, colourful displays cover the sides of sweets shops and bakeries, with sweet horses and dolls sold and consumed to commemorate the anniversary.