Home GCC UAE UAE announces public sector holiday for Islamic New Year Workers in other Gulf countries are also expected to receive time off by Robert Anderson September 3, 2018 The UAE Cabinet has approved a national holiday for ministries and federal entities to mark Islamic New Year. In a brief statement to new agency WAM, the cabinet said workers would have Thursday, September 13 off. Work will resume on Sunday, September 16. No private sector holiday date was announced. Oman also said on Monday it would give private sector workers a holiday to mark the occasion. Read: Oman announces Islamic New Year holiday for private sector The exact date of the New Year has yet to be confirmed and will be determined by a moon sighting committee in each country. It is expected to be between Monday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 12 next week. Workers in other Gulf countries are also expected to receive time off to mark the occasion. Islamic New Year celebrates 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. 0 Comments