Long weekend expected in the UAE to mark Islamic New Year

UAE citizens and residents are expected to enjoy a long weekend, beginning Friday September 30, to mark the Islamic New Year.

Although no formal announcement has been made, a national holiday for public and private sector workers on Sunday, October 2 will likely be confirmed to mark the occasion.

This will mean a three-day weekend for those normally given Friday and Saturday off and a work week beginning on Monday, October 3.

Similarly to the recent Eid Al Adha break, many are expected to take advantage of the time off and travel.

Read: Dubai airport Eid rush: Over 160,000 travellers in Terminal 3 this weekend

The Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the moon, with the start of each month marking a new lunar cycle.

As a result, the Islamic system is 11 days shorter than the 365-day Gregorian calendar, instead lasting 354 or 355 days.

The new year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the first Islamic month, and coincides with the Prophet Mohammed’s journey from Makkah to Madinah.

It is considered an occasion for religious activities and reflection by Muslims in contrast to the elaborate celebrations seen at the start of each Gregorian year.