Federal authorities confirm a unified paid holiday on August 28 following astronomical calculations for the Islamic observance.
ABU DHABI, August 14, 2026:The United Arab Emirates has declared Friday, August 28, an official paid holiday for all public and private sector employees to mark the observance of the Prophet’s Birthday.
Federal authorities confirmed the official date following astronomical assessments marking the Prophet’s Birthday on the 12th day of Rabi’ Al Awwal, corresponding to Tuesday, August 25. By unifying the holiday on Friday, August 28, workers across both sectors will receive a continuous three-day weekend when combined with the standard Saturday-Sunday rest period.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) alongside the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) issued circulars establishing the unified day off. The move aligns with the UAE Cabinet’s unified public holiday calendar, which grants equal official leave allocations to state institutions and private commercial enterprises nationwide.
Normal business operations, banking services, and educational facilities will resume regular schedules on Monday, August 31, following the extended break. Essential operations across federal departments and private companies will maintain skeleton staffing where required, with employee compensation managed in accordance with federal labor statutes.
Public transport operators and municipal authorities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates are expected to publish adjusted operational schedules and parking guidelines ahead of the holiday period.
