Residents and employers in the UAE have two public holidays left to plan around before the year closes: the Prophet’s Birthday, expected around 24 August, and National Day on 2 and 3 December.
The Prophet’s Birthday falls on the Islamic calendar, so the final date depends on the official moon-sighting announcement rather than a fixed Gregorian date. The 24 August estimate is the closest projected date, though some astronomical calculations put it on 25 or 26 August.
July carries no public holidays under the current framework, set by Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which has governed UAE public holidays across both government and private sectors since January 2025. That makes late August the next window for employees to plan short trips or extended leave.
September, October, and November are entirely clear of federal holidays, forming the longest unbroken stretch without a public holiday in the second half of the year. The next break after the Prophet’s Birthday will not arrive until National Day, giving workers in both sectors a two-day holiday at the start of December.
For reference, the full 2026 public holiday calendar ran as follows: New Year’s Day on 1 January; Eid Al Fitr from 19 to 22 March; Arafat Day on 26 May; Eid Al Adha from 27 to 29 May for the private sector, and 25 to 29 May for government entities; Islamic New Year on 15 June; the Prophet’s Birthday, date pending confirmation; and National Day on 2 and 3 December.
Eid Al Fitr carries three days as standard, with a possible fourth added if Ramadan completes thirty days. National Day remains fixed.
