Many employees across the UAE could enjoy extra time off later this year, with two extended weekends potentially on the horizon if the government chooses to transfer eligible public holidays.
Current calendar projections indicate that Prophet Mohammed's birthday could create a three-day weekend in August, while National Day may offer the possibility of a four-day weekend in December.
Although no official decisions have been announced, UAE regulations allow certain public holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of the working week, helping create longer breaks for both employees and businesses.
August Public Holiday Could Create a Three-Day Weekend
Based on the current Hijri calendar, Prophet Mohammed's birthday is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Under the UAE's public holiday rules, authorities have the option of transferring eligible holidays to the start or end of the week. If that happens, the holiday could move to Monday, August 24, giving many public and private sector employees a three-day weekend when combined with the usual Saturday and Sunday break.
However, this remains provisional. The final date depends on the Islamic lunar calendar and official moon-sighting confirmation before authorities make an announcement.
Why the Date Has Not Been Confirmed
Unlike National Day, Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar, meaning their dates cannot be confirmed months in advance.
The UAE government will officially determine the date after the relevant moon sighting. Only then will authorities announce whether the holiday will remain on Tuesday or be transferred to Monday under the existing regulations.
Until then, employees and businesses should treat the August holiday as tentative.
Could December Bring a Four-Day Weekend?
A second extended break may arrive during the UAE National Day celebrations.
National Day falls on Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, making both days official public holidays for public and private sector employees.
Because Friday sits directly before the regular weekend, authorities could potentially transfer the Wednesday holiday to Friday, December 4, creating a four-day weekend from Thursday through Sunday.
The government also has the option of keeping the original Wednesday and Thursday holiday dates unchanged. No official decision has been made.
UAE Public Holiday Rules Explained
The possibility of longer weekends comes under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which allows certain public holidays to be transferred to the beginning or end of a working week.
However, not every holiday is eligible.
Islamic holidays such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are excluded from the transfer policy and continue to follow their traditional calendar dates.
Other occasions, including Prophet Mohammed's birthday, may be moved if approved by the Cabinet.
The regulations also state that holidays generally cannot be transferred if they already coincide with another public holiday or fall during a weekend.
What It Means for Employees and Businesses
Long weekends often lead to increased domestic travel, hotel bookings, shopping activity and family gatherings across the UAE.
Businesses also benefit from knowing holiday schedules in advance, allowing them to plan staffing, maintenance work, annual leave approvals and customer services more efficiently.
Travel companies, hotels and retailers typically experience higher demand during extended holiday periods, while many residents use the opportunity for short international trips or staycations within the UAE.
Official Confirmation Still Pending
For now, both the possible August 24 holiday and the potential December 4 transfer remain unconfirmed.
The UAE government will issue official announcements before either holiday period, confirming the final public holiday dates for both the public and private sectors.
Until then, residents should wait for official government notices before making travel plans or finalising leave arrangements.
How UAE public holiday transfers work
The possibility of longer weekends comes from the UAE's public holiday transfer system, introduced to make holiday periods more practical for residents and businesses. Under the current framework, certain public holidays can be moved to the beginning or end of a working week through a Cabinet decision.
The aim is to create longer breaks that support domestic tourism, encourage family travel, and help businesses plan operations more efficiently. However, not every public holiday qualifies for a transfer. Religious holidays such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha follow separate rules and are announced based on official moon sightings.
For holidays that are eligible for transfer, residents should always wait for an official government announcement before making travel or leave arrangements.
What employees should know
Although calendar projections provide an early indication of possible long weekends, employers and employees should treat those dates as provisional until federal authorities issue official confirmations.
Many companies wait for announcements from the relevant government authorities before approving annual leave around public holidays. Employees planning trips or family gatherings should also keep this in mind, particularly for Islamic holidays that depend on the lunar calendar.
If the predicted dates are confirmed, many UAE residents could enjoy additional opportunities for short breaks without using extra annual leave, making both August and December attractive periods for local staycations and international travel.
Long weekends often boost travel and tourism
Extended public holidays traditionally lead to increased demand across the UAE's travel, hospitality, and leisure sectors. Hotels frequently introduce staycation packages, airlines experience higher booking volumes, and popular attractions welcome more visitors during long weekends.
Shopping malls, entertainment destinations, beaches, and family attractions also tend to see increased footfall as residents make the most of their time off. Businesses across the tourism sector often prepare special promotions once official holiday dates are confirmed.
For now, however, both the potential August three-day weekend and the possible December four-day weekend remain subject to official government approval. Residents should monitor announcements from the UAE authorities before finalising any travel or holiday plans.
