Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may expect potentially long weekends at the end of August. The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is expected on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Holiday Date and Rescheduling Conditions
According to the list of UAE public holidays, the next holiday is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, which corresponds to 12 Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. However, like all other Islamic holidays, the exact date depends on the official announcement regarding the sighting of the moon.
Since the holiday falls in the middle of the week, there is a possibility of it being moved to Monday, August 24, according to the UAE public holiday rescheduling system. If such a postponement is approved, employees will receive a three-day weekend: the holiday on Monday and the regular weekend before it. If these days off are confirmed, they will fall during the last week of summer vacation, as the 2026-27 academic year begins on August 31.
Holiday Rescheduling Mechanism
The UAE Cabinet has the authority to move certain public holidays that fall on weekdays either to the beginning or the end of the week to create longer breaks. Such changes do not happen automatically and require an official decision. According to the Cabinet Resolution of 2025, public holidays, with the exception of Eid, can be moved to the beginning or end of the week.
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is included in the UAE public holiday calendar, but the final date and any changes to the celebration will only be confirmed through an official announcement.
Possibility of a Four-Day Break
If the holiday remains scheduled for Tuesday, residents can extend their break by taking annual leave on Monday, providing employees with a four-day break. Nevertheless, the sighting of the moon remains a condition, and authorities expect to announce the final dates closer to the event.
