Prophet’s Birthday 2026: Four Gulf Countries Announce Public Holidays
Four Gulf countries have announced public holidays to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), giving residents and citizens an opportunity to observe the religious occasion.
The Prophet’s birthday is traditionally observed on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, across many Muslim-majority countries.
In 2026, the date and corresponding public holiday arrangements vary across the Gulf, with the UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain announcing holidays on different days.
UAE announces August 28 holiday
In the UAE, the Prophet’s birthday falls on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following the start of Rabi Al Awwal on August 14 after the crescent moon was sighted.
However, the UAE Cabinet has moved the corresponding public holiday to Friday, August 28, for both public- and private-sector employees.
The decision gives most UAE employees a three-day weekend, with Saturday and Sunday following the Friday holiday. Public-sector employees in Sharjah already observe Friday as part of their regular weekend.
Under the UAE’s public holiday regulations, the Cabinet can transfer certain holidays to the beginning or end of the relevant week, except for Eid holidays.
Oman to observe holiday on August 27
In Oman, the Prophet’s birthday will be observed on Thursday, August 27.
The holiday will be followed by the regular Friday-Saturday weekend, giving employees a three-day break.
Kuwait announces August 27 holiday
Kuwait will also mark the occasion on Thursday, August 27.
The holiday applies to government entities and will create a three-day weekend for government employees, as it falls immediately before the regular Friday-Saturday weekend.
Bahrain declares August 25 holiday
Bahrain will observe the Prophet’s birthday on Tuesday, August 25.
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, issued a circular confirming the public holiday for the occasion in 1448 AH.
Gulf holiday dates at a glance
| Country | Public holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | August 28, 2026 | Friday |
| Oman | August 27, 2026 | Thursday |
| Kuwait | August 27, 2026 | Thursday |
| Bahrain | August 25, 2026 | Tuesday |
The announcements provide residents across the four Gulf countries with an opportunity to observe the occasion, with the UAE, Oman and Kuwait holiday arrangements also creating extended breaks for many employees.
