UAE public sector workers given five-day break for Martyr’s Day, National Day

Public sector employees in the United Arab Emirates will have a five-day holiday to mark Martyr’s Day and the UAE National Day, official news agency WAM has reported.

All government offices will remain closed from Tuesday, December 1 to Saturday, December 5, the UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed.

Martyr’s Day falls on November 30 while the UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2, with just a day’s gap in between.

But the UAE’s laws allow the government to shift a public holiday falling in between two working days to either the beginning or the end of that week.

In August, the UAE declared November 30 as Martyrs’ Day to mark the sacrifice of those who have died in the line of duty for the country.

A number of events and activities will be held across the country, with participation from government institutions, Emiratis and residents to mark the values of dedication, diligence and loyalty, officials said.

Private sector holidays in the UAE for the occasions are yet to be announced.