Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates seeking consular services should plan ahead, as the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai will shut its doors to the public on Friday, August 28, 2026, in observance of Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabawi).
In an advisory, the Consulate said the closure follows the announcement of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, aligning both Philippine missions in the country with the UAE public holiday.
The move mirrors the wider stoppage of government and private work across the Emirates. The UAE Government Media Office declared August 28 a paid public holiday for federal government and private-sector employees, according to Gulf News. Because the day falls on a Friday and rolls into the regular Saturday–Sunday weekend, most residents will enjoy a three-day break before work resumes on Monday, August 31.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department separately confirmed the same schedule for the emirate’s departments, authorities and institutions, as reported by Khaleej Times, which also noted that the long weekend arrives just before the 2026–27 school year begins on August 31.
While the observed day off is set for August 28, the religious occasion itself is expected to fall earlier, on Tuesday, August 25, corresponding to the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar. Under a UAE Cabinet rule in force since the start of 2025, certain midweek public holidays may be shifted to the beginning or end of the working week to create longer breaks, with Eid holidays excluded from the provision.
For those needing help during the closure, the Consulate advised the public to reach its emergency contacts. Consular concerns involving passports, notarial services and civil registry may be directed to +971 4 220 7800, while Assistance-to-Nationals matters for non-OFWs may be coursed through +971 56 501 5756. For contract verification and OFW-related assistance, the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai may be reached at +971 50 652 6626 or +971 56 353 5558.
Regular consular operations are expected to resume the following working day.
