Good news for everyone working in the UAE. Friday August 28, 2026 is an official paid public holiday for both federal government employees and private sector workers.
The UAE Government Media Office confirmed the holiday to mark the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Mawlid Al Nabawi). The announcement was made on August 7, 2026.
How Many Days Off Do You Get?
Since the holiday falls on a Friday, employees who work a standard Saturday to Sunday weekend schedule will get a full three-day break.
| Day | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | August 28, 2026 | Official public holiday |
| Saturday | August 29, 2026 | Weekend |
| Sunday | August 30, 2026 | Weekend |
| Monday | August 31, 2026 | Back to work |
Does This Apply to Private Sector Workers?
Yes. The holiday applies to both federal government employees and private sector workers across the UAE. If you work for a private company in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere in the UAE, August 28 is a paid day off for you.
Your employer cannot ask you to work on a public holiday without compensating you. Under UAE Labour Law, if you are required to work on an official public holiday, you are entitled to receive your regular pay plus an additional day off in lieu, or extra pay in place of the day off.
What Is Mawlid Al Nabawi?
Mawlid Al Nabawi is observed by Muslims around the world on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, which is the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The occasion marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is typically observed with religious gatherings, Quran recitations, and community events.
Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the date of Mawlid shifts each year on the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal falls on Tuesday, August 25. However, under the UAE Cabinet’s public holiday transfer rule, the official paid holiday has been moved to Friday, August 28, to grant employees a three-day weekend.
What Are Your Rights If Asked to Work?
If your employer asks you to work on August 28, here is what UAE Labour Law says:
- You are entitled to a substitute day off, or your normal daily wage plus an additional holiday pay allowance (between 50% and 100% extra wage depending on shift hours).
- Your employer cannot deduct pay or penalise you for not working on a public holiday.
- If you are on a shift-based or contract arrangement, check your contract for specific holiday provisions.
For any disputes about public holiday pay, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation at mohre.gov.ae or call 800 60.
Upcoming UAE public holidays in 2026: Keep an eye on the official UAE government calendar at government.ae for any additional holiday announcements for the rest of the year.
Source: UAE Government Media Office via Gulf News (gulfnews.com), published August 7, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only. Verify your entitlements with your employer or at mohre.gov.ae.
