The UAE has officially confirmed the dates for the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday following the sighting of the Rabi Al Awwal crescent moon. With the month officially beginning on August 14, the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal falls on Tuesday, August 25. While the date itself lands mid-week, UAE residents can look forward to a relaxing break thanks to the country's flexible public holiday policy, which allows certain observances to be shifted to the start or end of the week.

In accordance with this policy, the government has declared Friday, August 28, 2026, as an official public holiday for both the public and private sectors. This move grants employees a welcome three-day weekend, connecting the Friday off with the standard Saturday and Sunday break. This holiday period serves as a final opportunity for families to enjoy time together before the new 2026-27 academic year commences on Monday, August 31, when normal working hours will officially resume across all government departments and institutions.