The next public holiday in the UAE will mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), expected to fall in early September. While the exact date depends on the moon sighting, it is widely believed to be on the 12th of Rabi’ Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
Based on astronomical predictions, Rabi’ Al Awwal could begin either on Sunday, August 24, or Monday, August 25. If it starts on August 24, the Prophet’s birthday would likely fall on Thursday, September 4. If the month starts a day later, the holiday would fall on Friday, September 5—possibly granting a long weekend for residents.
As with all Islamic occasions, the confirmed date will be based on official moon-sighting announcements by UAE authorities.
Under a 2025 government resolution, holidays—excluding Eid breaks—may be shifted to the start or end of the workweek to provide longer breaks, but only through a UAE Cabinet decision. Local governments in each Emirate also have the discretion to declare additional holidays when needed.
The Islamic Hijri calendar follows lunar cycles, making its months approximately 11 days shorter than those of the Gregorian calendar, and shifting Islamic dates earlier each year.