Early in the year, the UAE government has already released a list of public holidays to be observed by citizens throughout the year. And while some dates have not yet been counted as official long weekends to be observed by companies and workers, the schedule follows what has traditionally been observed in the country in the past years.
However, the question as to when exactly the long weekends will fall on has now been addressed, plus another good news for those working in the private sector in the country.
UAE Releases Updated List of Holidays for 2019-2020
The UAE government has made a major announcement regarding the 2019-2020 holidays, as shared in a report by WAM on Tuesday (March 5).
According to the report, the UAE cabinet has approved public holidays for the public sector for the years 2019-2020. Furthermore, the government has also granted the private sector the same number of official holidays – a total of 14 official public holidays for the year.
The said development aims to enhance the balance between the two sectors, as well as to support the national economy across various fields, which a number of expats in the country have received warmly.
The move will also contribute to reforming work in both the public and private sectors, as well as to enhance the attractiveness of the private sectors for nationals joining the workforce.
And for practicality’s sake, the announcement will help citizens better plan for their vacations in advance, as well as to strengthen social ties between all sectors in society.
Here is the updated list of holidays for both the public and private sectors this 2019:
- Eid Al Fitr* (29 Ramadan-3 Shawwal)
- Arafah Day (9 Zul Hijjah)
- Eid Al Adha** (10-12 Zul Hijjah)
- Hijri New Year (1 Muharram 1441)
- Commemoration Day (1 December)
- National Day ( 2-3 December)
The following are the public holidays for both the public and private sectors in 2020:
- New Year (1 January 2020)
- Eid Al Fitr (29 Ramadan-3 Shawwal)
- Arafah Day (9 Zul Hijjah)
- Eid Al Adha (10-12 Zul Hijjah)
- Hijri New Year (23 August)
- Commemoration Day (1 December)
- National Day (2-3 December)
* A three-day holiday for Eid Al Fitr is likely to start on June 5 (Wednesday), which makes it a long weekend.
** Another three-day long weekend would be observed on August 11 (Sunday) on account of Eid Al Adha.
In line with the announcement, citizens are advised to note that all Islamic holidays are based on moon sightings.
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