UAE private sector holiday confirmed for Islamic New Year

Private sector workers in the UAE will receive a day off to mark Islamic New Year, the UAE Cabinet has declared.

State news agency WAM confirmed the decision issued in a circular by minister of human resources and Emiratisation Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli.

“The Council of Ministers decided Thursday (September 13th) to hold a paid public holiday for all employees of private sector establishments in the UAE on the occasion of the Hijri New Year,” WAM said.

The UAE Cabinet also declared that public sector staff would receive September 13 off in an announcement on Monday.

Read: UAE announces public sector holiday for Islamic New Year

Workers in other Gulf countries are also expected to receive time off to mark the occasion.

Read: Oman announces Islamic New Year holiday for private sector

Islamic New Year celebrates the Prophet Mohammed’s journey from Makkah to Madinah.

It is considered an occasion for religious activities and reflection by Muslims in contrast to the elaborate celebrations seen at the start of each Gregorian year.

An Omani official said on Tuesday that the actual New Year, which will be decided by moon sighting committees in each country, was likely to fall on Tuesday, September 11.

Read: Oman confirms first day of Islamic New Year