Dubai has announced an official public holiday for government departments, authorities and institutions to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). The holiday will be observed on Friday, August 28, 2026, giving government employees a long weekend.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) confirmed that official working hours will resume on Monday, August 31, 2026. The announcement applies to entities affiliated with the Dubai Government and provides employees with a three-day break from Friday through Sunday.
The holiday announcement follows the UAE Government’s confirmation that Friday, August 28, 2026, will also be an official holiday for federal government entities and private sector establishments on the occasion of Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday.
When will Dubai government offices reopen?
Dubai Government departments, authorities and institutions will close for the official holiday on Friday, August 28. Normal government working hours will resume on Monday, August 31, meaning employees will return to work after the weekend.
The announcement gives residents and government employees advance notice to plan appointments and administrative tasks around the holiday. People who need to complete government-related services may therefore want to check operating hours before visiting an office during the holiday period.
Who is covered by the Dubai holiday?
The holiday applies to employees working for Dubai Government departments, authorities and institutions. It covers the government entities operating under the Dubai Government, according to the DGHR announcement.
However, not every government employee will necessarily have the day off. Workers whose roles require shift duties, public-facing services or the operation of essential facilities are excluded from the standard holiday arrangement.
Essential services will continue
Dubai authorities have made clear that essential public services will continue during the holiday. Employees whose duties require them to remain on duty will follow working arrangements decided by their respective government entities.
Each department or authority will determine the working hours of these employees according to operational needs. This approach is intended to ensure that important public services continue without interruption while most government employees observe the holiday.
UAE-wide holiday announcement
The Dubai announcement comes after the UAE Government Media Office confirmed that August 28 would be an official holiday for federal government entities and private sector establishments. This means the occasion will be marked across different sectors of the UAE.
For residents, the holiday provides an opportunity to plan family activities, short breaks and other personal commitments around the long weekend. Businesses and service providers may also adjust their schedules depending on their operational requirements.
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday holiday in 2026
The public holiday is being observed to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), an important occasion in the Islamic calendar. The date is officially recognised as a holiday in the UAE, with government and other sectors announcing their arrangements ahead of the occasion.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department extended its congratulations to the UAE leadership, citizens and residents on the occasion. The department also expressed wishes for continued security, prosperity and progress for the country.
What residents should know
Residents planning to visit Dubai Government offices on Friday, August 28 should be aware that most government departments and affiliated institutions will be closed for the holiday. Normal operations are scheduled to resume on Monday, August 31.
People using essential or public-facing services should check directly with the relevant government entity because working arrangements may differ for employees who are required to remain on duty. This will help residents avoid unnecessary trips during the holiday period.
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Key dates at a glance
Friday, August 28, 2026: Official Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday holiday for Dubai Government departments, authorities and institutions.
Saturday, August 29, 2026: Weekend.
Sunday, August 30, 2026: Weekend.
Monday, August 31, 2026: Official government working hours resume.
The holiday arrangements are designed to give government employees a three-day break while allowing essential services to continue through separately determined shift and operational schedules.