A three-day weekend is officially on the calendar. UAE residents have a long weekend to look forward to, with Friday, August 28, 2026, declared a paid public holiday for federal government and private-sector employees to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Since the holiday falls on a Friday, those who follow the standard Saturday-Sunday weekend will get three days off, from August 28 to August 30, before returning to work on Monday, August 31.
Known as Mawlid Al Nabawi, the occasion marks the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is observed on the 12th of Rabi’ Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar. The date moves each year on the Gregorian calendar because the Hijri calendar follows the lunar cycle.
For anyone already counting down to the end of summer, the timing is particularly convenient. The long weekend lands just before the new school year begins, making it a welcome excuse for a last-minute staycation, beach day or short escape before routines properly return.
When: Friday, August 28, 2026
Holiday: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabawi)
Break: August 28–30 for standard Saturday-Sunday weekends
Work resumes: Monday, August 31
