ABU DHABI – A long weekend is on horizon as employees in UAE will enjoy extended break with the announcement of August 28 Eid Milad-un-Nabi public holiday. The holiday will allow many workers to take three consecutive days off before returning to work on August 31.
United Arab Emirates announced nationwide public holiday to mark birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), giving employees across the country an extended three-day weekend.
UAE Government Media Office confirmed that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be observed as a paid public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors on the occasion of Mawlid al-Nabi (12 Rabi’ al-Awwal). The announcement means that employees whose regular weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday will enjoy three consecutive days off, from Friday, August 28, to Sunday, August 30. Government offices and businesses are scheduled to resume normal operations on Monday, August 31.
The holiday is expected to provide residents with an opportunity to spend quality time with their families, travel, or participate in religious gatherings commemorating the blessed occasion.
Muslims around the world observe the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal as the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In Pakistan and many other Muslim-majority countries, the day is marked by Naat recitation gatherings, religious conferences, special prayers, and processions, reflecting deep devotion and reverence for the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
UAE’s announcement comes as preparations for Mawlid celebrations begin across the Muslim world, with public institutions and communities planning events to observe one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar.
Eid Milad in Pakistan
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Rabiul Awwal 1448 AH is unlikely to be sighted on the evening of August 13.
PMD’s astronomical forecast said that Rabiul Awwal is likely to begin on Saturday, August 15, while 12 Rabiul Awwal is expected to fall on Wednesday, August 26. If confirmed, Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) will be observed across Pakistan on August 26.
