And there’s very good news if you work in the public sector.
As we prepare to move from one year into another, there is a silver lining to ease such a passage of time.
January 1 will mark the UAE’s first public holiday of 2018, and the exact dates have just been confirmed for both the public and private sectors.
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Government employees will enjoy a four-day weekend to mark the New Year, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced, with offices closed on Sunday, December 31 and Monday, January 1.
The private sector will be granted Monday, January 1 out of the office, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, meaning you’ll get a nice little day off to break up the week.
All UAE workers will be back in the office on Tuesday, January 2.
Before you go, here are the other public holidays to look forward to in 2018…
Friday April 13 (dependent on moon sighting) – Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raj
This holiday marks the night that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to heaven. If it does fall on a Friday, as it looks likely to, we might not get a day out of the office—or it could be moved to the Thursday or Sunday before. But that all depends on the moon.
Wednesday May 16 (dependent on moon sighting) – Ramadan is expected to begin
Not a holiday as such, but in the UAE private sector workers are entitled to work two hours less per day during Ramadan. Your pay won’t be cut.
Thursday June 14 (dependent on moon sighting) – Eid Al Fitr
The end of Ramadan typically means two days off work, but where those will fall is yet to be determined. Fingers crossed this means a four-day weekend with the Sunday off too.
Monday August 20 (dependent on moon sighting) – Arafat Day
This holiday marks the second day of the yearly pilgrimage to Haj. It will likely mean a day off work.
Tuesday August 21 (dependent on moon sighting) – Eid Al Adha
Honouring Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, this holiday typically means three days off. If this falls as expected, it could add up to five days when you count the weekend.
Tuesday September 11 (dependent on moon sighting) – Al Hijri, Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year in 2018 will mark the year 1439.
Tuesday November 20 (dependent on moon sighting) – Milad Un Nabi
Another one that’s at the government’s discretion. This holiday marks the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday and usually means a day off.
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Friday November 30 – Commemoration Day
A holiday to honour the Emiratis who died while protecting the UAE. As this is a Friday, any days off aren’t clear yet.
Saturday December 2 – UAE National Day
2018 will see the UAE’s 47th National Day, in celebration of the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. Any days off will be determined closer to the time.
Images: Getty
