The UAE has officially confirmed Friday, August 28, 2026 as a public holiday for both the public and private sectors, marking Prophet Muhammad's birthday.
The occasion is one of the UAE's official public holidays observed every year, though the date shifts annually since it is set by the government according to the Islamic calendar rather than a fixed spot on the Gregorian one.
Because August 28, 2026 lands on a Friday, most employees working a standard Monday-to-Friday week will find themselves with a three-day weekend, running straight into Saturday and Sunday without needing to take any additional leave.
For those already thinking ahead, the next public holidays on the UAE calendar after this one arrive in December, with Eid Al Etihad, marking National Day, falling on December 2 and 3.
As for 2027, anyone hoping to plan that far in advance will need to be patient. Official public holiday dates for that year will only be confirmed closer to each occasion, following the sighting of the moon, in line with how the UAE determines these Islamic calendar-based holidays each year.
For now, though, the date is set: mark down Friday, August 28, 2026 as a day off, with a long weekend built in for many across the country.
Reported by What's On.