Four Gulf states have announced public holidays to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and blessings).
Traditionally, the Prophet's birthday is celebrated on the twelfth day of Rabi' al-Awwal, which is the third month of the Islamic calendar, in many predominantly Muslim countries, including those in the Gulf.
Announcements in the UAE
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this holiday falls on Tuesday, August 25th of this year, following the sighting of the new moon at the beginning of the month, which marked the start of the new Hijri month on August 14th.
It has been announced that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be a day off for both the public and private sectors. This will provide UAE employees with a three-day weekend, as they usually have Saturday and Sunday off. Notably, government employees in Sharjah already receive Friday as part of their regular break period.
Although the Prophet's actual birthday falls on a Tuesday, the Cabinet of Ministers has moved the corresponding public holiday to Friday, August 28th. According to Article 2 of Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 on Public Holidays in the State, the UAE Cabinet has the authority to issue a decree postponing any public holiday to the beginning or end of the relevant week.
Celebration in the Sultanate
The Sultanate will celebrate the Prophet's birthday on Thursday, August 27th, which will be declared a public holiday, also creating a three-day weekend.
Celebration in Kuwait
Government institutions in Kuwait will celebrate the Prophet's birthday on Thursday, August 27th. This decision will grant government workers a three-day weekend, with the holiday falling immediately before the usual weekend of Friday and Saturday.
On this matter, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa issued a circular regarding the holiday dedicated to the Prophet's birthday for the year 1448 AH.
In the Kingdom, Tuesday, August 25th, will also be declared a public holiday.
