Government announces paid holiday this Sunday for Islamic new year

Dubai Jumeirah Mosque

The announcement of a paid holiday this Sunday will affect the private sector

 

In celebration of the Hijri New Year, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) has declared this Sunday, 7 July as a paid holiday for private sector employees in the UAE.

This date corresponds to Muharram 1, marking the beginning of the Islamic year 1446 AH. Falling on a Sunday, this holiday promises a long weekend for those in the private sector with a five-day workweek.

Team Yalla speculated last week whether or not we would receive a day off on Friday, 5 July or perhaps on Monday 8 July, but confirmation came through today that it will take place this Sunday, 7 July instead.

Last week, Oman has announced 7 July as a holiday for both public and private sector employees, allowing for an extended weekend for many.

In the UAE, residents can look forward to a couple more holidays before the year’s end. One is on the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.

The other is the National Day, which will also bring a long weekend, marking the last official holiday of the year.

The Islamic calendar is all about moon phase cycles, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar orbit and has 365.25 days.

 

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Image credit Canva

Shane Reynolds