Employees across the United Arab Emirates are set to enjoy a public holiday for the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. The holiday applies to workers in both the public and private sectors.
The occasion is observed on 12 Rabi Al Awwal in the Hijri calendar. The exact date on the Gregorian calendar can vary because the Islamic calendar follows the moon.
The holiday will give many UAE workers a three day break. This applies to employees whose normal weekend includes Saturday and Sunday. The break will give many workers extra time with family and friends.
Public sector workers in Sharjah already have a different weekly schedule. Government offices in the emirate normally operate from Monday to Thursday. This means Friday is part of their usual weekend.
The Prophet’s birthday is one of the official holidays listed by the UAE government. The holiday calendar covers both public and private sector employees. Islamic holidays are linked to the Hijri calendar and are confirmed based on moon sighting.
The holiday is observed by Muslims in many parts of the world. It marks the birthday of Prophet Mohammed and falls on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal.
Earlier expectations had placed the occasion around August 25 this year. There had also been discussion about moving the holiday to August 24 to create a longer break. The final timing depends on the official announcement and the Islamic date.
The long weekend also comes near the end of the UAE school summer break. The 2026 to 2027 school year is due to start on August 31. This gives families a chance to enjoy the final days of the summer break before schools reopen.
The UAE also has rules that allow some public holidays to be moved. Under the current holiday rules, certain holidays that fall during the working week may be shifted to the start or end of the week. This can help create longer breaks.
However, the rules have limits. The UAE government states that a public holiday cannot be moved if it falls on another public holiday or on a weekend.
The system is designed to give workers longer breaks when the calendar allows it. It can also help families plan trips, visits and other activities around public holidays.
Islamic holidays work differently from fixed dates such as New Year. The Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar. Its months begin with the sighting of the new moon.
The UAE follows official moon sighting procedures when setting Islamic dates. A new Hijri month begins after the crescent moon is observed. This means a date in the Islamic calendar may not always match the same Gregorian date from one year to the next.
The UAE government lists Prophet Mohammed’s birthday as a one day public holiday. It also lists other Islamic occasions, including Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha and the Islamic New Year.
For private sector workers, public holidays are paid holidays under UAE labour rules. If an employee is required to work during an official holiday, the worker must receive another rest day or additional pay under the law.
The announcement therefore gives workers across the UAE another chance to enjoy a longer break. For many employees, the holiday will create a three day weekend.
The final Gregorian date will be linked to the official Islamic calendar and moon sighting process. Workers are advised to check official announcements for the confirmed date and any changes to the holiday schedule.
