UAE Announces One-Day Holiday for Eid Al Mawlid, Creating Three-Day Weekend

The United Arab Emirates has announced a one-day public holiday for both government and private-sector employees to mark Eid Al Mawlid, the observance of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The holiday will fall on Friday, Aug. 28, according to the UAE government. Combined with the regular weekend on Saturday and Sunday, the announcement will give many employees a three-day break from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30.

Normal working hours will resume on Monday, Aug. 31.

Eid Al Mawlid is an important religious occasion for Muslims. In Islamic tradition, 12 Rabi' al-Awwal is observed by many Muslims as the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslim communities in different countries mark the occasion with religious discussions, prayers, and other programs.

The holiday is included in the UAE's official holiday calendar and applies to employees in both the public and private sectors. Because Islamic holidays are determined according to the lunar calendar, the corresponding Gregorian dates are subject to official confirmation.

The exact weekend arrangements may vary among emirates and institutions. Government employees in Sharjah, in particular, follow a different working-week and weekend system from some other emirates, meaning the practical holiday schedule may differ depending on the institution.

The extended break is expected to encourage residents to make travel plans, spend time with family, and visit local leisure and entertainment destinations. Many residents are likely to take advantage of the three-day holiday for short trips and recreational activities.