Three-day public holiday expected in UAE for Eid Milad-un-Nabi

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to have a three-day holiday on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (peace be upon him).

According to details, this year’s official holiday for Eid Milad-un-Nabi (peace be upon him) is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

However, under the UAE’s public holiday laws, this holiday will likely be moved to Monday, August 24. If this happens, employees will be able to enjoy three consecutive days of holidays, including Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

According to the laws in force in the UAE, if an official holiday falls during the week, the government can move it to the beginning or end of the week for administrative convenience and public interest, so that citizens and employees can benefit from a long weekend.

However, the authorities have clarified that the final date of the holiday will be announced after the Islamic calendar and the sighting of the moon, because the date of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (peace be upon him) depends on the beginning of the lunar month of Rabi’ al-Awwal.

According to the UAE’s labor laws, all eligible employees in the public and private sectors are given paid leave on the announced public holiday.

If an employee is required to work on a holiday, the employer is legally obligated to provide additional compensation, alternative leave, or other appropriate accommodations.

The final decision is expected to be officially announced after the moon is sighted, after which the holiday schedule will be officially confirmed.