The end of the year is fast approaching, with 2017 soon to rear its head.
And even though 2016 isn’t yet done and dusted, we’re already thinking ahead to next year’s holidays.
So to let you know all the long weekends you can expect, here’s a list of all the public holidays and their predicted dates for 2017…
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Most of these dates are estimated due to lunar activity – we’ll keep you updated as and when they’re confirmed by the government.
Sunday January 1 – New Year’s Day
Since New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, we’ll be getting a three-day weekend. If you’re not taking holiday over the Christmas period, that is.
Monday April 24 (dependent on moon sighting) – Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raj
If this falls on a Monday, we’ll get a four-day work week (in the office on Sunday, and Tuesday through to Thursday). The holiday marks the night that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to heaven.
Thursday May 25 (dependent on moon sighting) – Ramadan is expected to begin
While you won’t get a day off work, UAE labour law stipulates that all workers are entitled to work two hours less each day throughout Ramadan, and still be paid for a full day.
Sunday June 25 (dependent on moon sighting) – Eid Al Fitr
The holiday that signifies the end of Ramadan is marked with two days off – though his date may change due to the sightings of the moon. However, if it falls on a Sunday, we’ll likely get a four-day weekend.
Thursday August 31 (dependent on moon sighting) – Arafat Day
This marks the second day of the annual pilgrimage of Haj. If it falls on Thursday, it could mean a day off before the weekend.
Friday September 1 (dependent on moon sighting) – Eid Al Adha
This holiday marks Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, and is marked with three days off. If it falls on Friday, it will likely mean just one day (Sunday) out of the office.
Thursday September 21 (dependent on moon sighting) – Al Hijri, Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year in 2017 will mark the year 1438, and could result in a long weekend if it falls on a Thursday.
Thursday November 30 – Commemoration Day
A holiday to honour the Emiratis who died while protecting the UAE.
Thursday November 30 (dependent on moon sighting) – Milad Un Nabi
This day marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and is announced by the moon-sighting committee, so may be subject to change. If it does fall on the same date as Commemoration Day, we might just get the one day off or we might get two – it’s really at the government’s discretion.
Saturday December 2 – UAE National Day
This day will mark the 46th UAE National Day, celebrating the unification of the seven emirates and the founding of the country in 1971 – but if you normally have Saturdays off, it’s unlikely you’ll get a long weekend.
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The academic calendar for the year 2017-2018
We’re only a couple of months deep into the 2016 to 2017 school year, but if you want to get a jump on planning a family holiday, read on.
The below dates are published by the UAE Ministry of Education, reports Gulf News.
2017
September 3 – First day for teachers and administrative staff
September 10 – Term one begins for all students
December 14 – Term one ends
2018
January 2 – Teachers and administrative staff return to work
January 7 – Term two begins for all students
March 25 – Term two ends
April 1 – Teachers and administrative staff return to work
April 8 – Term three begins for all students
June 28 – Term three ends
July 5 – Last day for teachers and administrative staff
If you’re still curious as to what days you’ve got on or off at school for the 2016 to 2017 school year, here they are:
Academic Year for 2016 to 2017
2016
August 21 – First day for teachers and administrative staff
August 28 – Term one begins for all students
December 18 – Term one ends
2017
January 8 – Term two begins for all students
March 26 – Term two ends
April 2 – Teachers and administrative staff return to work
April 9 – Term three begins for all students
June 22 – Term three ends
July 6 – Last day for teachers and administrative staff
Images: Getty
