August 28 Now a Public Holiday: UAE Grants 3-Day Weekend for Prophet's Birthday
The UAE has announced that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be a public holiday for both the public and private sectors to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This declaration means that residents across the country will enjoy a three-day weekend, as Saturdays and Sundays are already observed as weekends. For public sector employees in Sharjah, who typically have Fridays off, this announcement still results in a three-day weekend, albeit with the holiday falling on a different day than initially expected.
The long weekend coincides with the final week of the school summer break, with the 2026-27 academic year set to begin on August 31. The UAE’s decision to declare a public holiday on August 28 is in line with the country’s tradition of observing significant Islamic occasions. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is one such occasion, celebrated by many faithful around the world and marked on the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal in the Hijri calendar.
The Hijri calendar, based on lunar sightings, determines the dates of Islamic holidays. The UAE moon sighting committee convenes at the end of each Hijri month to observe the crescent and declare the start of the next month. This method of determining holidays means that the exact dates of Islamic occasions can vary from year to year on the Gregorian calendar.
A new law that came into effect in 2025 allows certain public holidays to be transferred to the start or end of the working week if they fall mid-week, enabling people to enjoy longer, continuous breaks. The UAE Cabinet has the authority to shift these holidays, with the exception of Eid holidays, to create longer breaks for residents. This year, the holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday falls on a Friday, naturally resulting in a three-day weekend without the need for a transfer.
The UAE’s announcement of a public holiday for Prophet’s Birthday is a significant event for residents, providing an opportunity for rest, reflection, and celebration. As the country prepares for the new academic year, this long weekend offers a welcome break before the start of school and work routines.
The UAE’s decision to declare August 28 as a public holiday aligns with the country’s commitment to respecting and celebrating important Islamic occasions. This move is expected to be well-received by residents, who will appreciate the extra day off to observe the holiday and spend time with family and friends.
In the context of the UAE’s strategic development plans, this public holiday reflects the country’s emphasis on cultural and religious heritage. By declaring a public holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, the UAE reinforces its position as a country that values and respects its Islamic traditions.
