August Long Weekend Ahead? UAE's Holiday Transfer Rule
If you’re wondering whether August will bring another long weekend, the answer lies in the UAE’s holiday transfer rule. The next official public holiday is Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, which could fall on August 25, 2026, according to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf). This date, however, is subject to confirmation by the moon-sighting committee.
The UAE’s holiday transfer provision, as outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, allows certain official public holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of the week, following a decision by the UAE Cabinet. This rule does not apply to Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, and Eid Al Adha. If the holiday is moved, it could result in a long weekend for residents.
For those planning ahead, after August, the only public holiday left for the year will be in December, when the UAE marks the Union Day, with December 2 and 3 declared as public holidays. Understanding the holiday transfer rule can help you plan your year more effectively, especially if you’re looking forward to a potential long weekend in August.
The holiday transfer rule is designed to create long weekends for residents by strategically moving certain public holidays. While the exact date of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday is pending confirmation, residents can look forward to the possibility of an extra day off in August. As the UAE Cabinet makes decisions on holiday transfers, residents will need to wait for official announcements to plan their long weekends accurately.
