Prophet’s Birthday holiday 2026: what the UAE announced
On 7 August 2026 the UAE Government Media Office confirmed that Friday 28 August 2026 would be a paid public holiday for federal government entities and the private sector, marking the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Mawlid Al Nabawi, 12 Rabi Al Awwal 1448 AH). For employees on the standard Saturday and Sunday weekend, that made a three-day break from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August, with work resuming on Monday 31 August.
Why Friday and not Tuesday
The birthday was expected to fall on Tuesday 25 August, subject to moon sighting. The Cabinet moved the holiday to Friday under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which lets it shift some public holidays to the start or end of the week. Eid holidays cannot be moved. Read how the rule was applied in our 2026 transfer round-up, and how it works in our transfer rule guide.
Who was covered
- Federal government entities and private sector establishments, under the federal announcement.
- Emirate-level government bodies announced their own matching days, including Dubai and Ajman.
The break fell at the end of the summer holidays, as the 2026-27 school year began on Monday 31 August. For the holidays still ahead, see what is left in 2026.
