Longer UAE holidays likely as Eid may fall Sunday

People in the UAE could be in for a longer holidays with the Eid Al Fitr likely falling on Sunday immediately after the weekend.

If the holy month of Ramadan is spanned over 30 days, then the Eid Al Fitr would fall on Sunday, August 19, immediately after the weekend – extending the weekend. Private sector is generally entitled to two days of paid holidays on the first and second day of Shawal.

This rule is applicable in those countries where Ramdan commenced the same day as in Saudi Arabia or other Gulf Arab states. South and Southeast Asian countries usually mark Ramadan a day later. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines and other countries commenced Ramadan on Saturday, July 21, 2012.

People in the countries which mark weekends on Fridays and Saturdays – such as the UAE – would prefer to have Eid Al Fitr on Sunday as it’ll prolong their weekend and Eid holidays. But in case of Eid falling on Saturday, people will lose one day leave.

Five Fridays

The holy month of Ramdan, which commenced on Friday, July 20, will also have five Fridays this time.

According to the Gregorian calendar, the holy month will have Fridays on July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10 and August 17.

As part of the humanitarian and goodwell gesture, the UAE government reduces the working hours for employees – both private and public sectors – every year. This help Muslims to spare more time for prayers and spend more productive time with their families.

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