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UAE Public Holidays: Why August 24 is the Expected Date for the Next 3-Day Weekend

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4 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Shorya

Prophet Muhammad Birthday UAE holiday 2026

This summer may have another break for the UAE residents as the month of August 2026 is set to offer them a three-day long weekend to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Although it has yet to be officially announced, the astronomical calculation and the UAE academic calendar suggest that Monday, August 24, 2026, may well be the special day of the UAE.

While one might expect the summer break to hush all children and young people, the long weekend has already started to stir up excitement among residents who are hoping for a quick getaway, a family gathering or a staycation before school starts this fall.

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Why August 24 Is the Most Likely Public Holiday?

The day of the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) falls on the 12th day of the first month of the lunar/muslim calendar, called Rabi’ Al-Awwal. Current astronomical calculations suggest Tuesday, August 25, 2026 to be the date.

But UAE has provided flexibility as per the policy of public holidays to shift some of the holiday periods to other parts of the week, other than Eid’s, either to hit the beginning or the end of the week. In consultation with the employer, this policy is used to maximise the ability to provide longer weekends whilst minimising disruption to businesses and public services.

In response, many people have predicted the holiday will be moved to officially Monday, August 24, 2026.

Three-Day Weekend for UAE Residents

If the holiday comes as expected, residents of both the public and private sectors will have a long weekend from:

Saturday, August 22, 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Monday, 24 August 2026 – Expected Public Holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

This could be a great chance for their staff and family to get a domestic holiday, international holiday short breaks or just spending a great time at home before the hectic back to school holiday rush.

UAE School Calendar Supports the Timeline

The dates for holidays also align with the dates of the UAE Ministry of Education’s academic calendar of 2026-2027.

Now the published schedule has already designated Tuesday 25 August as “Prophet Muhammad’s birthday”, recorded on the Muslim calendar. The date coincides with the admin preparation week before return to classroom and is consequently compatible with the argument that the public holiday could be moved to Monday August 24.

This is the reason why parents and teachers and school based staff are carefully following official news related to the reopening of the school as well as the final holidays announcement.

Waiting for the Official Announcement

While astronomical calculations will do, officially, Islamic holidays will be based on the sighting of the moon.

Final dates of public holidays will be declared by the UAE MoHRE, in conjunction with the relevant government authorities, nearer the time. Until now, residents should consider 24 August a holiday, rather than certain.

Great Opportunity for Travel and Staycations

Many residents of the Emirates are getting a long overdue three-day weekend at the end of August. The long summer break is a great opportunity to take a short-and-sweet trip before the start of the new school year and before the summer break ends.

If the long weekend is officially approved, it is expected that there will be a rise in interest in popular regional and local resorts as well as family-friendly attractions. But on top of that, those looking to head overseas should also monitor air and hotel discounts issued just before the vacation period as well.

FAQs

Why is the 24th of August likely to be a public holiday in UAE?

According to UAE’s holiday ordinance, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) which is expected on Tuesday (25 August) may be declared a public holiday on Monday (24 August) on 24th August.

Is August 24 Official or not?

The holiday has yet to be officially declared. The date of the last public holiday will be determined by the UAE government following Islamic moon sighting and the official confirmation.

What will the longest weekend be expected to be?

The holiday will be transferred to Monday, 24th August 2026, and UAE residents will thus have a 3-day weekend from Saturday, 22nd August to Monday, 24 August 2026.