How the UAE extends midweek public holidays into longer weekends.
Dubai: The UAE’s next public holiday falls next month, and residents could enjoy a three-day weekend. Under the country’s public holiday regulations, authorities can move certain holidays to the beginning or end of the working week to create longer breaks.
The Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday in August, one of the final public holidays of 2026, is the latest occasion that could potentially benefit from this arrangement.
How the UAE public holiday law works
Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 gives authorities the flexibility to move eligible public holidays that fall during the working week to the beginning or end of the week, helping create longer breaks for employees.
Upcoming case: Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday, 2026
The same provision could apply next month. Based on current Hijri calendar projections, Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, meaning the holiday could potentially be adjusted to create a longer weekend.
The occasion is observed on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
As Hijri months are determined by the official sighting of the new crescent moon, the exact date will be confirmed closer to the occasion by the relevant authorities.
If the holiday transfer provision is applied, the public holiday could be moved to Monday, August 24, potentially giving both public and private sector employees a three-day weekend.
The final date will only be announced after confirmation by the moon-sighting committee.
Under the Cabinet resolution, authorities have the power to shift certain public holidays to the beginning 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 working week.
However, not all public holidays are eligible for transfer. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha continue to be observed according to their religiously determined dates.
Limits on holiday transfers
Under Article 3 of the resolution, a public holiday cannot be moved if it already falls on another public holiday or coincides with a weekend.
UAE public holiday pay: Are workers 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 on a public holiday
Under UAE labour legislation, workers who are required to work during an official public holiday must receive appropriate compensation, including:
Compensation for working on a public holiday
Employees required to work on an official public holiday are entitled to either:
- A substitute day off, or
- Additional compensation
If a substitute day off is not provided, workers must receive their regular wage plus at least 50 per cent 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 of 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 UAE on December 2, 1971.
