Dubai residents can start planning that August getaway. The emirate has now put an official date on the next long weekend. It’s official! Dubai has confirmed Friday, August 28, as a public holiday for Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday, resulting in a three-day weekend from August 28 to 30.
Dubai’s Next Long Weekend Is Officially Confirmed For August 2026
Dubai has announced Friday, August 28, as an official holiday for government entities, marking the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. Official work resumes on Monday, August 31, giving staff a three-day break running from Friday through Sunday. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department confirmed the holiday applies to authorities, departments and institutions affiliated with the Dubai Government.
This aligns with the UAE Government Media Office’s earlier confirmation that Friday, August 28, will be a paid public holiday nationwide for both federal government and private-sector employees, with standard Saturday-Sunday weekend staff enjoying the same three-day break.
Why The Date Shifted From Earlier Predictions
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday, or Mawlid Al Nabawi, falls on the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar. This year is expected to correspond to Tuesday, August 25. Under the UAE’s public holiday transfer rule (Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024), holidays other than the two Eids can be shifted to the start or end of the working week to create a longer break. That’s exactly what’s happened here: the holiday has moved from a standalone Tuesday to Friday, August 28, folding neatly into the weekend.
Also Read: UAE Residents Could Get 8 Days Off Work In 2026 Thanks To This Public Holiday Law
Who’s Exempted?
The decision excludes employees whose roles require shift work or who serve the public through essential facilities. Each government entity will set working hours for those staff according to its own operational needs. This way, public services continue without disruption through the holiday period.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department extended its congratulations to the UAE leadership, citizens and residents on the occasion, wishing the country continued security, prosperity and progress.
What This Means For Your Plans
Holidays confirmed for Friday, August 28, through Sunday, August 30, this is shaping up to be one of two solid long weekends. These are the only two left on the UAE calendar this year. The other is UAE National Day in December. It’s time to pencil in that staycation or short trip before summer wraps up.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ TasfotoNL from Getty Images
FAQs
Does the holiday apply to all UAE employees?
Dubai's confirmation covers Dubai Government entities specifically; the UAE Government Media Office has separately confirmed the same August 28 date applies to federal government and private-sector employees nationwide, excluding shift and essential-service workers.
What is the confirmed date for Dubai's public holiday?
Friday, August 28, 2026, with work resuming Monday, August 31.