Islamic New Year holiday announced for private sector in UAE

Private sector workers will be given a public holiday on Sunday to mark the Muslim New Year, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced.

A public holiday for federal government employees has not yet been confirmed, although public sector employees generally do not work on weekends.

Public and private sector workers are usually entitled to the same number of days off per year.

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijra, marks the beginning of Muharram, the first of 12 months in the Islamic calendar.

This holiday will be celebrated on Sunday in all Emirates.

As with other Islamic holidays, the day on which Muharram is celebrated changes every year depending on the lunar cycle.

Unlike Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, there is no religious observance required for the Islamic New Year. It is generally considered a day of reflection rather than celebration.

Updated: July 2, 2024, 1:19 PM