Month of Rabi' al-Awwal sighted in UAE, Prophet Muhammad's birthday declared a public holiday

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be an official public holiday for all departments, institutions, and government bodies in Dubai.

Official work will resume on Monday, August 31. Since Saturday and Sunday are the standard days off for most civil servants, this Friday off will provide eligible employees with a three-day break.

However, this holiday does not apply to employees working on shift schedules, as well as those whose duties involve serving the public or managing public service facilities.

DGHR specified that each government entity will independently determine the working hours for these categories based on its operational needs. These measures aim to ensure the uninterrupted and efficient provision of government services throughout the holiday period.

On the occasion of this event, the Human Resources Department sent greetings and best wishes to the leadership, citizens, and residents of the UAE, wishing the country continued stability, prosperity, and security.

The General Administration of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat announced on Monday that UAE citizens wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage next year can register their names starting from September 14, 2026.

The administration specified that pilgrims will be selected through an automated verification process according to approved criteria and requirements. In 2026, the country approved the names of 6,228 Emiratis to participate in Hajj. Overall, more than 1.7 million people from 165 countries participated in Hajj this year.

It is expected that the application review will be completed, and the names of approved UAE pilgrims will be announced on October 9; after that, they will be contacted to complete the necessary procedures. The Awqaf administration emphasized that adhering to this schedule will allow for timely preparation for the new Hajj season and ensure the best service to pilgrims both in the UAE and at the holy sites in Mecca.

The registration period for Hajj 2027 in the UAE will last until September 25, and UAE citizens can submit applications through the special Awqaf application and website.

In July, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reviewed plans to improve the Hajj experience for Emirati pilgrims, focusing on enhancing service quality, strengthening support, and ensuring smoother journeys from departure to return.

Sheikh Mohammed noted that ensuring the well-being of Emirati pilgrims—from arrival at the holy sites to safe return home—remains a top priority.

According to Saudi authorities, the deadline for Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom is set for April 7, 2027, before the start of the Hajj 2027 season. According to astronomical calculations, the Day of Arafah, the culmination of the Hajj season, is expected on May 15, 2027.