As the UAE approaches the holiday which marks Eid Al Fitr and the end of Ramadan, some us are looking forward to a longer break than others. It is unfortunate that this mark of distinction will not be a reward for better performance at work, but simply because some people work in the public sector and others in the private sector.
It is a matter of regret that the authorities persist in legislating different holidays for the two sectors. Those who work in the private sector should not have to put up with shorter Eid holidays. Their work is as demanding and exhausting as those in the public sector, and they deserve the same.
This pernicious distinction also has the effect of making it harder for private sector employers to attract recruits, since it is only human for individuals to prefer working for shorter hours and enjoy longer holidays. This has a deleterious effect on the best intentions to attract Emiratis into the private sector.
Eid holidays should be the same for all.
