The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed a paid public holiday across the federal public sector and the private sector. With the Saturday-Sunday weekend following it, the first full working day is Monday 31 August, leaving a single working day before month end.
What happened
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the federal ministry that sets employment rules for the private sector, confirmed Friday 28 August 2026 as a paid public holiday for both the federal public sector and the private sector, marking the Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabawi).
What changes in practice
Government departments, free zone authorities, bank branches and support for EmaraTax — the Federal Tax Authority's online filing and payment platform — were closed or running on reduced cover. Because the federal weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday, the closure ran through to Sunday 30 August and the first full working day is Monday 31 August. Sharjah, which observes a Friday-to-Sunday weekend, also reopens on Monday.
Who it applies to
Any business with matters pending before a federal or local authority, a free zone registrar, or a UAE bank. It applies regardless of where the owners are resident, since it is the counterparty that is closed, not the taxpayer.
The exposure
August now ends with one usable working day. Licence renewals, visa applications and bank onboarding or review files that depend on a counterparty response before month end should be treated as at risk of slipping into September — a month that also carries the 30 September deadline for Corporate Tax returns for financial years ended 31 December 2025.
What to do now
Concentrate outstanding filings on Monday 31 August, and identify today which matters carry a 31 August cut-off that depends on someone else replying. Where that reply has not already arrived, plan on the deadline being missed and arrange the extension or the remedy now rather than on the day.
Sources
- https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-announces-public-private-sector-holiday-for-prophets-birthday
- https://gulfbusiness.com/en/2026/uae/long-weekend-ahead-uae-announces-public-holiday-for-prophets-birthday/
Published 28 August 2026 on the basis of public sources and official United Arab Emirates instruments. This is not legal or tax advice. Verify your position with a qualified professional before acting.