The UAE observed the Prophet’s Birthday public holiday on Friday, 28 August 2026, with both public and private sector employees receiving the day off under a federal declaration confirmed by the Arabian Business report citing the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) Circular No. 11 of 2026.
The birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) falls on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, the 12th of Rabi’ Al Awwal, following the sighting of the crescent moon that marked the start of the new Hijri month on 14 August. The holiday transfer to Friday was made under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which allows the UAE Cabinet to move public holidays to the beginning or end of the relevant week, according to the UAE Government’s public holidays portal.
Three-day weekend for most employees
Employees whose regular days off fall on Saturday and Sunday received a three-day weekend. Public sector staff in Sharjah, who already observe Friday as part of their working week pattern, were covered by the same federal declaration.
The long weekend coincided with the final days of the school summer break. The UAE Ministry of Education set the start of the 2026–27 academic year as 31 August 2026, meaning most families returned to school routines the following Monday.
Messages from UAE leadership on Prophet’s Birthday
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan marked the occasion with a message calling the anniversary an opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s enduring legacy and the values of humanity, kindness and love. He prayed for peace, stability and security for all peoples and expressed hope the occasion would reinforce compassion and unity among communities.
UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the birth anniversary is a time to reflect on a legacy founded on mercy, love and tolerance, and prayed for God to protect the UAE and its people and bring peace and security to the region and the world.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also congratulated the Islamic Ummah on the birth anniversary, according to Emirates 247.
Mawlid Al Nabawi is observed on 12 Rabi’ Al Awwal each year and is typically marked with religious gatherings, Quran recitations and sermons on the life and teachings of the Prophet. Because Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, the UAE public holidays portal notes that dates are subject to moon sighting and may shift by a day. Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 also stipulates that a public holiday cannot be transferred if it coincides with another public holiday or falls on the weekend.
The next federal public holiday on the UAE calendar is National Day on 2–3 December 2026.
