If you’ve been counting down to the next long weekend, mark your calendar — the next UAE public holiday is expected on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to mark Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH).
Quick Answer: The UAE’s next public holiday is expected on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, marking Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi). The date corresponds to 12 Rabi Al Awwal and remains subject to official moon-sighting confirmation. Under the UAE’s public holiday transfer rules, the government may shift the day off to Monday, August 24, giving residents a three-day weekend. No official confirmation has been issued yet.
When Exactly Is It?
The holiday corresponds to the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar. But as with every Islamic occasion, the exact date is subject to the official moon-sighting announcement, so it isn’t locked in yet.
Could It Turn Into a 3-Day Weekend?
Here’s the part everyone’s hoping for. Because the holiday falls midweek, it could be moved to Monday, August 24, under the UAE’s public holiday transfer system, creating a long weekend. According to a 2025 Cabinet Resolution, public holidays — except for Eid — can be moved to the beginning or end of the week, but such transfers are not automatic and require an official decision.
If the holiday remains on Tuesday, residents may still extend their break by taking annual leave on Monday in addition to the weekend.
Why This Holiday Matters for Planning
This break would land during the final week of the school summer holidays, with the 2026-27 academic year set to begin on August 31 — so it’s likely the last proper travel window before school reopens.
What Comes After?
Once this holiday passes, the next official day off won’t arrive until year-end: Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day), falling midweek on Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3, 2026.
Holiday Snapshot
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) |
| Expected Date | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 |
| Islamic Date | 12 Rabi Al Awwal |
| Possible Transfer | Monday, August 24 (3-day weekend) |
| Status | Pending moon-sighting confirmation |
| Next Holiday After | UAE National Day — Dec 2–3, 2026 |
FAQs
Is the August 25 holiday confirmed?
Not yet officially — it’s the expected date based on the Islamic calendar, pending government confirmation closer to the date.
Will UAE employees get a 3-day weekend?
Possibly. If the Cabinet approves a transfer, the holiday moves to Monday, August 24, creating a Saturday–Sunday–Monday break.
