UAE residents might soon enjoy a three-day weekend, with the upcoming public holiday marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expected to fall in early September.
The occasion, observed annually on the 12th of Rabi’ Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar, will be marked by a one-day holiday across the country. Based on current astronomical projections, if the month of Rabi’ Al Awwal begins on Sunday, August 24, the holiday would fall on Thursday, September 4. However, if it begins a day later—on Monday, August 25—then the holiday would fall on Friday, September 5, potentially giving residents a long weekend from Friday to Sunday.
The Islamic calendar is determined by lunar sightings, which can only be confirmed closer to the date, so the exact holiday schedule remains tentative. As such, residents are advised to await official confirmation from UAE authorities.
Under a 2025 Cabinet resolution, most public holidays in the UAE—excluding Eid breaks—can be moved to the beginning or end of the week to maximize weekends. Final decisions on such adjustments rest with the UAE Cabinet or individual emirate governments.
