Iraq declares Tuesday public holiday for Mawlid

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Cabinet Secretariat announced that Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, will be an official public holiday across all ministries and government institutions. The decision was issued under the relevant provisions of the Official Holidays Law, marking the observance of Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, which falls on the 12th of Rajab in the Islamic Hijri calendar. Public services are expected to be suspended during the holiday. The announcement did not specify whether separate arrangements have been made for the private sector or educational institutions. Officials and local sources said they are monitoring the implementation of the decision. No further details were immediately available on additional measures for non-governmental sectors.