How UAE public holiday rules help create extended weekends from midweek holidays.
Dubai: The UAE’s next public holiday is expected next month, with residents potentially set to enjoy a three-day weekend. Under the country’s public holiday regulations, authorities have the flexibility to move certain national holidays to the beginning or end of the working week to create longer breaks. Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday in August, one of the final public holidays of 2026, could be among those affected by this rule.
How the UAE’s public holiday law works
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the UAE government has the authority to shift certain eligible public holidays that fall during the middle of the working week. This flexibility allows for the creation of longer breaks for employees.
Potential upcoming case: Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday, 2026
The same provision could apply to next month’s public holiday. Based on current Hijri calendar projections, Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, making it a possible candidate for adjustment under the holiday transfer rules.
The occasion is observed on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.
As Islamic months are determined by the official sighting of the new crescent moon, the final date of the holiday will be confirmed closer to the occasion by the relevant authorities.
If the holiday transfer provision is applied, the public holiday could be shifted to Monday, August 24, potentially creating a three-day weekend for employees in both the public and private sectors.
The official holiday date will be announced only after confirmation by the moon-sighting committee.
Under the Cabinet resolution, the UAE government can move certain public holidays to the start or end of the working week through an official decision. The measure was introduced to provide greater flexibility and minimise disruption when holidays fall in the middle of the week.
However, not all public holidays are eligible for adjustment. Major religious occasions such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha continue to be observed on their officially determined dates.
Limits on holiday transfers
Under Article 3 of the resolution, a public holiday cannot be transferred if it already falls on another public holiday or coincides with a weekend.
UAE public holiday pay: Are employees entitled to paid leave?
Employees in both the public and private sectors are entitled to paid leave on officially declared public holidays.
If employees are required to work during a holiday
Under UAE labour laws, workers who are asked to work on a public holiday must receive appropriate compensation, which includes:
Compensation for working on a public holiday
Employees required to work during a public holiday are entitled to either:
- A replacement day off, or
- Additional financial compensation
If a substitute day off is not provided, employees must receive their regular wage along with an additional payment of at least 50% of their basic daily wage for the holiday worked.
Next UAE public holiday in 2026: Eid Al Etihad (National Day)
Following Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday, the next and final public holiday on the UAE calendar for 2026 will be Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day).
- Dates: December 2–3, 2026 (two-day holiday)
- Significance: The occasion marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.
