Following a public holiday for Islamic New Year in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, most employees will have to wait until at least September for the next national day off.
The Islamic New Year, also referred to as the Hijri New Year, signifies the start of a fresh lunar year.
Most Muslims observe the first day of Muharram as the beginning of the Islamic year and countries across the Gulf declared it a public holiday for public and private sector workers.
Public holiday in UAE, Saudi and more
The Islamic New Year came shortly after Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day, which saw workers granted up to a six-day leave, when combined with weekends.
The dual holiday in quick succession was enjoyed by employees in the region.
Bahrain will have the next public holiday in the Middle East. It has announced a four-day weekend for the Ashura holiday, with public offices closed from Friday, July 28 to Tuesday, August 1.
Saudi Arabia will be the next country in the region to have its next public holiday. September 23 marks the Kingdom’s National Day. The celebration marks the formation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is celebrated across the country with cultural celebrations, fireworks and events.
This year September 23 falls on a Saturday, so a corresponding day in lieu may be given to workers in the Kingdom.
The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman won’t have to wait much longer for a public holiday.
The Prophet’s Birthday is a holiday across the region.
The date of the holiday is the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, which corresponds to Wednesday, September 27.
The holiday has been announced in the region.
However, the UAE has already announced the holiday will be enjoyed on Friday, September 29 to allow for a three-day weekend in the country.
Qatar will celebrate its National Day on December 18.
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