UAE Announces Paid Public Holiday for Prophet's Birthday on August 28, 2026

The United Arab Emirates has officially declared Friday, August 28, 2026, a paid public holiday for federal government institutions and the private sector in observance of the Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) birthday. The UAE Government Media Office confirmed the date.

• Friday, August 28, 2026, is a paid public holiday for federal government institutions and the private sector.
• Employees with a standard Saturday-Sunday weekend get a three-day break, returning to work on Monday, August 31, 2026.
• The Dubai Government Human Resources Department declared the holiday for Dubai government departments, authorities, and institutions.

Holiday Pay and Work Rules

According to Article 28 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, employees are entitled to full pay during official public holidays. In sectors requiring continuous operations—such as hospitals, hotels, retail, security, airports, transport, construction, logistics, and restaurants—employers may require staff to work. In such instances, the law mandates that employers must provide either a compensatory day off or a payment equivalent to the employee's basic wage for that day plus at least 50 percent additional compensation.

Employees are advised to verify their duty rosters, HR communications, or supervisor instructions to confirm if they are required to work on the holiday and to clarify the form of compensation. Public holidays are a statutory entitlement distinct from annual leave; therefore, employers cannot deduct the day from an employee's annual leave balance. Should disputes arise regarding compensation, employees are encouraged to seek written clarification from their HR or payroll departments. If the issue remains unresolved, private-sector workers may file a formal complaint through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation using their employment contract, Emirates ID, salary records, and proof of duty.

Services and Operating Hours

While federal and Dubai government offices resume operations on August 31, essential services, including emergency healthcare, police, civil defence, and public transport, will maintain service schedules throughout the holiday. Residents are advised to verify the operating hours of physical government offices, bank branches, and service providers, as these may differ from digital service availability.