ABU DHABI // Isra wal Miraj, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar, will be remembered this weekend by Muslims.
It marks the time the Prophet Mohammed travelled from Mecca to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem in one night, and will be celebrated with a long weekend.
In Jerusalem, the Prophet ascended to the heavens where God commanded the five daily prayers. All other pillars, including fasting and pilgrimage, were commanded on Earth.
While no celebration takes place on the day some Muslims will choose to fast, while others may pray late into Wednesday night.
Licensed restaurants will be dry and most bars and music venues closed over Wednesday night out of respect for the occasion.
A spokeswomen from the National Council of Tourism and Antiquities in Abu Dhabi said an announcement had been sent to all venues that alcohol could not be served between 6pm on Wednesday and 8pm on Thursday.
Diners are advised to call ahead to check venue details.
In Dubai, MMI bottle shops will close early on Wednesday night at 6pm and all through Thursday.
African and Eastern shops will close at 7pm on Wednesday and stay closed on Thursday.
The Ministry of Labour said two weeks ago that Thursday would be a holiday for all employees.
Work will resume on June 9.
