January 1 officially declared a holiday in UAE for public and private sector

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department announced on Sunday that Wednesday would be a holiday for federal and local government agencies.

The day will also be a holiday for the private sector with work set to resume on Thursday, January 2.

In 2020, the UAE Cabinet has approved a total of seven national holidays beginning with New Year on January 1.

The following holiday is a three-day break Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and is expected to fall on May 22 (Friday) to May 26 (Tuesday).

The Eid Al Fitr break will be followed by Eid Al Adha, with the probable date for celebration July 31 (Friday) to August 2 (Sunday). Combined with Arafat Day, this would see a long-weekend.

New Hirji Year is expected to fall on August 23 (Sunday), giving a three-day weekend for most. Residents will also enjoy a one-day holiday for the Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, which will fall on October 29.

Because of the various lengths of Hijri months, Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha and the Prophet’s birthday may be at slightly different dates. All dates in the Islamic calendar are subject to moon sighting.

At the end of the year, residents will have a three-day holiday for Commemoration Day (Tuesday, December 1) and the 49th National Day (December 2 and 3).