Dubai: Islamic New Year (Hijri) falls on Tuesday, November 5, according to Islamic Crescent Observation Project. However, workers in the private sector — who usually work a six-day week — will be granted a day off earlier in the lead-up to the celebration.
The Ministry of Labour announced on Monday that Saturday, November 2, will be the official holiday for the Islamic New Year for private sector. A circular was issued on Monday by Saqr Gobash, Minister of Labour.
As for public sector and schools who usually get their weekly days off on Friday and Saturday, the Cabinet approved Sunday, November 3, to be the Islamic New Year holiday. With holidays granted earlier, there will be no disruption in work routines.
The Cabinet, however did not differentiate between workers in the private and the public sectors, but yesterday’s circular by the ministry of labour explains that November 2 would be the official day off for workers in the private sector.
Private sector companies which work a five-day week could still give their employees a day off on November 3 in order to equate their employees with those in the public sector or stick to the Ministry of Labour circular. Some companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have already announced November 3 as the Hijri holiday.
Gobash extended his heartfelt congratulations to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.
