The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially confirmed that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be a public holiday to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This announcement, made by the UAE government, ensures that workers across the country will enjoy a three-day weekend, stretching from Thursday, August 27, through Saturday, August 29.
Details of the August Holiday
According to the official calendar, the religious occasion itself is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, but under the UAE's public holiday laws, the observance is shifted to the end of the working week. This adjustment creates a seamless long weekend for employees in both the public and private sectors.
The decision aligns with the UAE's consistent approach to public holidays, which aims to maximize the benefit for workers while respecting religious traditions. The holiday applies to all federal government entities and private sector businesses, as stipulated by UAE labour regulations.
Potential Five-Day Break in December
While the August break is confirmed, workers may have another reason to look forward to the end of 2026. The UAE's National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated annually on December 2 and December 3, commemorating the country's formation in 1971. In 2026, these dates fall on a Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
If the government extends the holiday to include Friday, December 4, as has been done in previous years, employees could enjoy a five-day weekend. This would bring the total number of public holiday days in the latter half of 2026 to eight, offering substantial time off for rest and celebration.
Labour Law Guarantees Paid Leave
Under UAE labour law, eligible employees are entitled to full paid leave on all recognised public holidays. This protection applies to both federal government workers and those in the private sector. The legislation ensures that employees receive their complete salary for any official holiday, without any deduction.
For employers who require staff to work during a public holiday, the law mandates either a compensatory day off or additional financial compensation. Specifically, workers must receive at least 50% of their basic daily wage on top of their regular pay, as per the Federal Labour Law.
Awaiting Official Confirmation for December
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding the December extension. However, workers and businesses across the UAE are closely monitoring government communications for confirmation. The tradition of extending National Day to include a Friday has been common in recent years, making a five-day break highly likely.
This proactive approach to public holidays reflects the UAE's commitment to work-life balance and its recognition of the importance of national and religious celebrations. The August break, coupled with the potential December extension, underscores the country's efforts to provide ample opportunities for rest and recreation.
