The final date is important because several calendars and articles published earlier in July listed August 24 or 25 as the expected date. Those dates were estimates based on the Hijri calendar and should no longer be used as the official holiday date. The confirmed UAE public holiday August 2026 will be observed on Friday, August 28.
UAE Public Holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday holiday, also known as Mawlid Al Nabawi, is normally associated with 12 Rabi Al Awwal in the Hijri calendar. However, the date on which employees receive the official day off can be moved under the UAE’s public holiday rules. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed through its official circular that the holiday for federal government employees will be observed on Friday, August 28, 2026. The UAE Government Media Office also confirmed the same date for the federal government and private sector in its official announcement. This means the final Prophet Muhammad birthday holiday UAE date is Friday, August 28—not August 24 or 25, as stated in some earlier reports.
The legal basis for moving certain UAE public holidays is established by Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024. The resolution identifies Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday as a one day public holiday and permits the Cabinet to transfer eligible holidays, except Eid holidays, to the beginning or end of the relevant working week. The official government holiday page on u.ae also lists Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday among the UAE’s recognised public holidays.
Who gets the day off and when?
The Friday, August 28 holiday applies to:
- Employees of federal government ministries and entities
- Private-sector employees across the UAE
- Employees of local government bodies where corresponding emirate-level circulars apply
For employees following the standard Monday-to-Friday working week, the UAE public holiday August 2026 creates a three-day weekend from Friday, August 28, through Sunday, August 30. Normal working hours are scheduled to resume on Monday, August 31. Employees are advised to confirm their schedules with their employers, particularly if they work flexible hours, shifts or alternative weekend arrangements. Government departments in individual emirates have also issued corresponding notices.
Employees working in essential services, healthcare, emergency response, transport, hospitality, retail or other continuously operating sectors may still be required to work during the holiday. Those required to work on a public holiday can also check the rules around working on public holidays in the UAE and applicable compensatory arrangements. Their schedules and any applicable compensation, substitute rest day or alternative leave will depend on UAE labour regulations, employment contracts and their organisation’s operational requirements. Employees who are uncertain about their entitlement should contact their employer or human resources department directly. Residents planning domestic trips, hotel stays or family activities during the long weekend should also expect increased demand across popular destinations. For more information about UAE public holiday dates and long weekends, including previous holiday schedules, see our detailed guide. Booking transport and accommodation in advance may help avoid limited availability or higher last-minute prices.
The confirmed UAE public holiday August 2026 therefore gives many public and private sector employees an extended weekend while marking one of the country’s recognised religious occasions. The holiday also provides families and communities with an opportunity to observe Mawlid Al Nabawi through prayer, reflection, religious gatherings and time spent together.