UAE Confirms Prophet’s Birthday Holiday for August 28
The sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Rabi Al Awwal has confirmed the date of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday in the UAE, with the occasion falling on Tuesday, August 25.
The UAE government has announced that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be an official paid holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors. The holiday transfer means residents will enjoy a three-day weekend from Friday through Sunday.
The crescent sighting on Thursday, August 13, marked the end of Safar and established August 14 as the first day of Rabi Al Awwal. As the Prophet’s birthday is observed on Rabi Al Awwal 12, the religious occasion falls on August 25 this year.
Three-Day Weekend for UAE Employees
Although Rabi Al Awwal 12 falls on a Tuesday, the UAE’s holiday transfer policy allows most public holidays that fall during the working week to be moved to the beginning or end of the week.
The policy, introduced through a 2025 resolution, does not apply to the Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays.
As a result, employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off will receive a three-day weekend from Friday, August 28, to Sunday, August 30.
Public-sector employees in Sharjah, who already have Fridays as part of their regular weekend, will also benefit from the official holiday arrangements.
Dubai Government Confirms Holiday
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department has also confirmed that Friday, August 28 will be an official holiday for government departments, authorities and institutions in Dubai.
Normal working hours for government entities will resume on Monday, August 31.
Holiday Coincides With End of School Break
The long weekend will come as families prepare for the start of the new academic year. Schools following the UAE’s academic calendar are scheduled to begin the 2026-27 school year on Monday, August 31, meaning the public holiday falls immediately before the return to classes.
The confirmation of the Rabi Al Awwal crescent therefore establishes both the religious date of the Prophet’s birthday and the timing of the UAE’s official holiday weekend.
