We enter the last quarter of 2016 next month. Bear in mind that we could possibly have three long weekends left, and this includes the possibility of one very long weekend.
October 2 (Sunday) – Al Hijri – Islamic New Year
Al Hijri is the Islamic New Year. Expected to fall on Sunday October 2 in 2016, it is likely that workers in the UAE will enjoy a long 3-day weekend beginning September 29 (Thursday) and returning to work on October 3 (Monday).
In 2016, the new Islamic year will be 1437.
The date is subject to moon-sighting and could change.
November 30 (Wednesday) – Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day (sometimes referred to as Martyr’s Day) is a new public holiday and is fixed on November 30. The day was declared by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in 2015 to honour Emiratis who have died for their country.
The remembrance will fall on a Wednesday in 2016 and a single day off work will be granted.
December 2 (Friday) – UAE National Day
The UAE’s National Day is fixed on December 2 each year. One or two days are granted as public holidays, and as December 2 is a Friday, it is possible that workers could receive a long weekend if clubbed with the Commemoration Day’s public holiday on Wednesday.
December 12 (Monday) – Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
The birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal. In Arabic, the holiday is referred to as Eid Al Mawlid an Nabawi.
In 2016, December 12 is forecast to fall on Monday. A day off work is granted, but it could be moved to Sunday to create a long weekend.
The date is subject to moon-sighting and could change.
If you’re one to plan ahead, here’s our list of the UAE Official Public Holidays in 2017.
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