Friday, August 28, 2026, will be a paid public holiday for employees in the UAE federal government and private sector to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, the UAE Government Media Office has announced.
For employees who follow the standard Saturday-Sunday weekend, the announcement creates a three-day break from Friday, August 28, through Sunday, August 30. Normal work is expected to resume on Monday, August 31.
UAE Prophet’s Birthday holiday dates at a glance
| Date | Day | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| August 28, 2026 | Friday | Paid public holiday |
| August 29, 2026 | Saturday | Standard weekend day |
| August 30, 2026 | Sunday | Standard weekend day |
| August 31, 2026 | Monday | Expected return to work |
The three-day break applies automatically only to employees whose regular weekend is Saturday and Sunday. People working shifts or employed in sectors that operate continuously should check their duty roster and company guidance.
Who is covered by the holiday?
The announced paid holiday covers:
- Employees of UAE federal government entities
- Employees working in the UAE private sector
The UAE’s official public holiday framework applies the listed national holidays to both the public and private sectors. Local government entities may issue their own circulars confirming working arrangements for their employees.
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Why the holiday falls on Friday
The Prophet’s birthday is observed on 12 Rabi’ Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because the Hijri calendar follows the lunar cycle, its corresponding Gregorian date changes each year.
The UAE’s public holiday rules also allow certain holidays to be transferred to the beginning or end of a working week. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, this transfer option applies to most listed public holidays but excludes the Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays.
The official announcement for August 28 therefore determines the paid day off for employees, even where earlier calendar forecasts showed a different weekday for the religious occasion.
What employees should check
Most office-based employees with a Monday-to-Friday schedule can plan around a Friday-to-Sunday break. However, individual arrangements may differ for people working in healthcare, hospitality, retail, transport, aviation, security and other continuous-operation sectors.
Employees should confirm:
- Whether they are rostered to work on Friday, August 28
- Any revised shift timings or operational notices
- Their employer’s arrangements for public-holiday work
- The date and time they are expected to return
Employers and government entities may share additional operational details closer to the holiday.
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What Mawlid Al Nabawi marks
Mawlid Al Nabawi commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims in many countries observe the occasion through prayer, Quran recitation, religious gatherings and sermons reflecting on his life and teachings.
Observances vary between communities. In the UAE, the day is recognised in the national public holiday calendar as a one-day holiday for the public and private sectors.
Planning the August long weekend
Residents planning a staycation, family visit or short trip should check opening times, transport schedules and booking conditions before making arrangements. Popular hotels, attractions and intercity travel services may be busier over the three-day break.
Anyone travelling outside the UAE should also check passport validity, destination entry rules and the time needed to return before work resumes on Monday, August 31.
Frequently asked questions
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