Abu Dhabi, Aug. 7 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared Friday, August 28, a paid public holiday for employees in the federal government and private sector to mark Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Mawlid Al Nabawi).

The UAE Government Media Office announced the decision on Friday. Employees observing the Saturday-Sunday weekend will receive a three-day break from August 28 to 30, returning to work on Monday, August 31.

The holiday falls just before the start of the 2026-27 academic year, with schools set to reopen on August 31.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah around 570 AD, although the exact Gregorian date of his birth is not known. Muslims worldwide observe his birth anniversary on the 12th day of Rabi' A...