UAE announces public holiday for Prophet's Muhammad birthday
Three-day break before schools reopen across the Emirates
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially declared Friday, August 28, 2026, a paid public holiday to mark Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Mawlid Al Nabawi).
The holiday applies to employees in both the federal government and the private sector. The announcement was made by the UAE Government Media Office, confirming a nationwide day off for one of the key religious occasions on the country's public holiday calendar.
For employees who follow the standard Saturday-Sunday weekend, the holiday creates a three-day break from Friday, August 28, until Sunday, August 30, with work resuming on Monday, August 31.
Long weekend
The extended break comes during the final week of the school summer holidays. The 2026-27 academic year is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 31, meaning many families will enjoy a final long weekend before schools reopen.
In Sharjah, where public sector employees already have Fridays as part of their regular weekend, the holiday aligns with the emirate's existing weekend schedule.
Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
Prophet Muhammad’s birthday remains one of the official occasions included in the UAE's annual public holiday calendar, with the final holiday date confirmed through official announcements based on the Islamic calendar.
It is observed annually on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The occasion is commemorated by Muslims around the world through religious gatherings, Quran recitations and sermons reflecting on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
As the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the Gregorian date of Mawlid Al Nabawi changes each year. Every Hijri month begins with the sighting of the new moon, and on the 29th day of each Islamic month, the UAE's moon sighting committee meets to observe the crescent and determine the start of the next month.