Dubai Government departments, authorities and institutions will observe the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday holiday on Friday, 28 August 2026. Official working hours resume on Monday, 31 August.
For employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off, the announcement creates a three-day weekend. The holiday was announced by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department.
When Dubai Government offices reopen
Regular working hours resume on Monday, 31 August 2026. Residents planning an in-person visit to a government office should check the relevant department’s website or service channels before travelling, particularly for services that operate on appointment-based or reduced schedules.
Many digital government services will remain available online during the holiday.
Who may still be working
The holiday arrangements do not automatically close every public service. Dubai Government said departments with shift-based employees, public-facing duties or responsibility for essential service facilities may set their own working hours.
Each authority will decide the schedule needed to keep its services running efficiently. Employees in these roles should follow the timetable issued by their own department, while residents should check opening hours for the specific service they need.
What private-sector employees should know
The Dubai announcement applies to Dubai Government entities. Private-sector employees should follow guidance from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and their employer rather than assume the government schedule applies to their workplace.
The UAE’s official holiday framework provides one day for the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, observed on 12 Rabi Al Awwal. Individual employers may still need to confirm shift coverage and operating hours.
Planning the long weekend
The Friday holiday gives eligible Dubai Government employees a break from Friday through Sunday, with offices reopening Monday. Anyone booking travel or activities should still check airline, hotel and attraction policies because commercial operating hours are separate from government office schedules.
Public transport, healthcare, hospitality, retail and emergency services may continue under holiday timetables. Checking the provider directly is the quickest way to avoid an unnecessary journey.
Official source
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department announcement was published by Emirates News Agency: https://www.wam.ae/en/article/c1oid5r-prophet-muhammad%E2%80%99s-birthday-holiday-for-dubai
