Prophet Mohammed's birthday could be moved to create a three-day weekend
If you’ve already started counting down to the next UAE public holiday, there’s some encouraging news that could make August a little more exciting.
UAE residents may be in line for another long weekend, with Prophet Mohammed’s birthday expected to fall in late August and a change to the country’s public holiday rules opening the door to an extended break.
While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the holiday is currently expected to fall on Tuesday, 25 August, subject to the sighting of the moon.
However, thanks to changes introduced by the UAE Cabinet in 2025, there’s now the possibility that certain public holidays can be moved to either the beginning or end of the working week.
The aim is to improve work-life balance by creating longer weekends for both public and private sector employees.
If that happens, there’s a good chance the public holiday could shift to Monday, 24 August, giving many residents a welcome three-day weekend.
Like many Islamic holidays, the exact date depends on the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar.
Prophet Mohammed’s birthday is observed on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
Because Islamic months begin with the sighting of the new crescent moon, the official holiday date won’t be confirmed until closer to the time by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee.
That means residents will have to wait a little longer before making any firm weekend plans.
Prophet Mohammed’s birthday is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar and is traditionally marked through religious observance and reflection rather than large public celebrations.
Across the UAE, government offices, schools and many businesses close for the day, giving workers across both the public and private sectors a paid public holiday.
Even if August does deliver a long weekend, there are still more holidays to look forward to before the end of the year.
The biggest is Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day), celebrated on 2 and 3 December, when residents can enjoy two public holidays commemorating the founding of the UAE in 1971.
Expect fireworks, concerts, cultural performances, family-friendly events, shopping promotions and celebrations across all seven emirates as the country marks one of its most important occasions.
For now, though, all eyes are on August. If the holiday is officially moved to a Monday, it could be the perfect excuse to book a staycation, plan a road trip or simply enjoy an extra day to relax before summer begins to wind down.
