The UAE has confirmed Friday, August 28, 2026, as a public holiday for both government and private-sector employees to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
For employees whose regular weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday, the announcement means a three-day break from August 28 to 30. The holiday will also offer families an opportunity to take a short break before schools reopen for the 2026-27 academic year on August 31.
August 28 confirmed as UAE public holiday
The holiday is being observed in line with the UAE’s official public holiday calendar. The occasion commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which falls on 12 Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar.
The date had previously been expected to fall on August 25, with speculation that the holiday could be shifted to create a longer weekend. The government has now confirmed August 28 as the official holiday.
Sharjah government employees, who already have Friday as part of their regular weekend, will have different arrangements compared with employees following the standard Saturday-Sunday weekend.
What the holiday means for UAE residents
For many workers, the announcement creates a three-day weekend without requiring additional annual leave.
Residents can use the break for domestic travel, short international trips, family gatherings or a staycation. With the holiday coming just before the new school year, it may also provide families with a final opportunity for a short summer getaway.
Travel and hospitality businesses are expected to see increased demand as residents make plans around the long weekend.
How UAE public holidays can be transferred
The UAE introduced new provisions in 2025 allowing certain public holidays that fall during the working week to be transferred to the beginning or end of the week.
The measure is intended to create longer consecutive breaks for residents. However, the authority to transfer eligible holidays rests with the UAE Cabinet, and Eid holidays are excluded from the provision.
This means residents should rely on official announcements for the confirmed dates of public holidays rather than assuming that a holiday will automatically be moved.
Why Islamic holiday dates can change
Islamic occasions follow the Hijri lunar calendar, meaning their dates differ from those of the Gregorian calendar each year.
The beginning of each Hijri month is determined through the sighting of the new crescent moon. The UAE’s moon-sighting process plays an important role in confirming dates associated with Islamic occasions.
As a result, official announcements remain the definitive source for confirming the dates of religious holidays in the UAE.
The August 28 holiday gives residents across the country a welcome long weekend as summer draws to a close, while families prepare for the return to schools and regular routines.
