Prophet Mohammed's birthday (PBUH) is giving residents a three-day weekend
If you’ve already started counting down to the next UAE public holiday, we have some great news.
It has been confirmed that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be a paid public holiday for employees in the federal government and private sector to mark the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (PBUH).
While the actual day is yet to be confirmed, it was likely to fall on Tuesday August 25. However, thanks to a new public holiday law that allows days off to be moved to end or beginning of a week, the day off will be observed on the following Friday instead.
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, official holiday dates are usually not confirmed until closer to the time by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee.
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.
But after the August long weekend, there are still more holidays to look forward to before the end of the year.
Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) will be 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. The long weekend is 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.
