If you feel like you need a day off, you’re in luck. The first public holiday of the year is here!

The government have confirmed that Thursday May 5 will be an official paid holiday for everyone working in the UAE.

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Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raj, or ‘Ascension Day’ is an Islamic holiday observed each year on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. The holiday marks the night that the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) made the journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to heaven.

While this year the holiday was meant to fall on Wednesday May 4, the government postponed the holiday to fall on a Thursday, meaning we’ll all be treated to a three-day weekend.

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If you’re wondering what to do for this public holiday and those later on in the year, check out our public holiday guide for things to do at home or abroad.

The next public holiday after Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raj is not too far off either, on Thursday July 7 for Eid Al Fitr.

Now you know the date, go plan something for that long weekend.

Photo: Fortnum & Mason