The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has declared a paid public holiday on Friday, 28 August 2026, for the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), or the Mawlid Al Nabawi.
The UAE Government Media Office says the vacation will be valid for those working in the federal government and the private sector.
Three-Day Weekend for Employees
For those who work a week-day to Saturday-Sunday weekend, the public holiday is on Friday, meaning they will get three days off on August 28 – August 30.
Employees will return to work on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The announcement is likely to give residents an extra weekend and give families and communities time to mark the religious occasion.
What Is Mawlid Al Nabawi?
Mawlid Al Nabawi is an occasion to remember the birth of Prophet Muhammad (S) (AS). Muslims celebrate this day in various countries on 12th Rabi’ Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Activities that can take place during the occasion that promote and are related to religious matters can be Quran recitations, religious gatherings, sermons and discussions about the life of the Prophet, his teachings and message of peace and compassion.
Holiday Date Changes Each Year
The date of Mawlid Al Nabawi is different in the Gregorian calendar every year because the Islamic Calendar is lunar.
The UAE has announced that August 28, 2026, will be a paid public holiday for federal government and private-sector employees, thereby confirming the date.
UAE Public Holiday at a Glance
- Occasion: Mawlid Al Nabawi
- Public Holiday: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Applicable to: Federal government and private-sector employees
- Weekend: Saturday and Sunday
- Extended Break: August 28–30
- Return to Work: Monday, August 31, 2026
The season will allow the staff of all the UAE to celebrate the religious festival in style, with three days of leisure.
