The UAE government has confirmed that Monday 25 August 2026 will be a public holiday to mark Mawlid Al-Nabi β the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. The holiday applies across both the public and private sectors. Travellers in the UAE on that date should expect government offices, banks, and some businesses to be closed, with altered hours at malls, restaurants and attractions.
What closes and what stays open
Closed on 25 August:
- All government offices and ministries
- Banks and financial institutions
- Most government-linked entities and state-related services
- Schools and universities
Typically remain open:
- Hotels and hotel restaurants
- Major shopping malls (though some may open later or close earlier)
- Supermarkets and large chain stores (hours may vary)
- Tourist attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, museums, and beach facilities
- Airlines and airport operations (no disruption to flights)
Specific venue hours should be checked directly in the days before, as private businesses set their own holiday schedules and these are not standardised.
Impact on travel logistics
The holiday falls on a Monday, making it a long weekend for workers who have Sunday off. This typically increases domestic leisure travel within the UAE β beaches, malls, and attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabiβs Corniche tend to see higher visitor numbers over the 22β25 August period.
If you are arriving or departing on 25 August, airport operations are unaffected. Transfers, car rental collections and hotel check-ins all proceed normally. However, if you need to visit a government service β such as collecting a long-stay visa, visiting a public health clinic, or completing a registration β plan to do so before Friday 21 August or delay until Tuesday 26 August.
Atmosphere during Mawlid Al-Nabi
The holiday marks a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar and is observed with religious programmes, lectures, and charitable activities. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, mosques hold special evening prayers, and some community spaces run cultural events. The atmosphere is generally calm rather than celebratory in the way that Eid celebrations are.
For visitors interested in experiencing the occasion respectfully, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is one of the most significant religious sites in the region. The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors during designated hours; check the official website for any adjusted schedule around the holiday.
Planning around the August date
August is one of the quieter months for international tourism in the UAE due to the summer heat β daytime temperatures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi regularly exceed 40Β°C. The majority of visitors in August are transit passengers, business travellers, or those specifically choosing the UAE for its indoor attractions and hotel deals.
If you are travelling around this date, the extra public holiday means Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be somewhat busier than a typical August weekend. Dubai and Abu Dhabi both offer extensive indoor options β including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Dubai Mall, and the many hotel beach and pool facilities β that are unaffected by the public holiday.
Our UAE dress code guide covers what to wear at mosques and public spaces, which is relevant if you plan to visit religious sites during the Mawlid period.