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The moon-sighting committee will announce when the Islamic new year will begin Image Credit: Thinkstock

Abu Dhabi: Sunday October 2, 2016, will be an official paid holiday for all public and private sector employees in the UAE, in celebration of  the Islamic New Year 1438, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation announced on Monday.

This means workers in the UAE will enjoy a three-day weekend beginning September 30 (Friday) and returning to work on October 3 (Monday).

The announcements were made by Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and chairman of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, and Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Saqr Gobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiritisation. 

Al Owais and Ghobash extended their greetings on this occasion to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, citizens and residents of the UAE.The announcement was made by Saqr Gobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiritisation.