The UAE August long weekend 2026 is officially confirmed, with Friday, August 28 declared a paid public holiday to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), also known as Mawlid Al Nabawi. For employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off, this creates a three-day break running until Sunday, August 30, with work resuming on Monday, August 31.
The timing is particularly convenient for families, as schools are also due to reopen on August 31. If you are staying in Dubai, there are several confirmed events and summer experiences taking place across the final weekend of the school holidays.
When is the UAE August long weekend?
The public holiday falls on Friday, August 28, giving employees with a Saturday-Sunday weekend three consecutive days off. The holiday applies to federal government employees, Dubai government entities and private-sector workers across the UAE.
There are some exceptions. Dubai government employees working shifts or in vital public-facing services and essential facilities may have different schedules, with individual entities arranging working hours to keep important services running.
See The Miami Show 3.0
Saturday night has a major live-music option lined up at Coca-Cola Arena. The Miami Show 3.0 takes place on August 29 at 8 pm, bringing Kuwait’s legendary Miami Band to Dubai for a large-scale live performance. Tickets are currently listed from AED 195, making this one of the most straightforward ways to turn the Saturday of the long weekend into a night out.
Take on the Endurance Games
For something more active, the inaugural Endurance Games takes place on Sunday, August 30, at Hamdan Sports Complex. The indoor multisport event features five disciplines, including aquabike, aquathlon, triathlon, duathlon and the Endurex challenge, combining swimming, cycling and running. It is designed for both experienced competitors and people looking for a new fitness challenge.
Make the most of Dubai Summer Surprises
The long weekend coincides with the final days of Dubai Summer Surprises, which runs until August 30. This gives shoppers one last opportunity to explore the festival’s retail promotions and end-of-season offers before the city moves into its September routine.
Several mall-based summer programmes are also running through the weekend. City Centre Mirdif’s City Centre Summer Club, for example, continues until August 30, offering an indoor option for families looking to escape the August heat.
Book a short staycation
If you would rather use the long weekend to slow down, summer hotel offers provide another option. Several Dubai properties have resident-focused packages running through August, including deals with breakfast, pool access, late check-out or dining and spa benefits.
With schools reopening on Monday, August 31, the August 28–30 break is also the last convenient chance for families to fit in a short pre-school staycation before school runs, homework and weekday routines return.
