Public and private sector workers across the UAE will be granted a public holiday on Friday, June 27, to mark the start of the new Islamic year, authorities announced on Monday.
The Islamic, or Hijri, New Year, heralds the beginning of Muharram, the first of 12 months on the Islamic calendar.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources issued a circular to ministries and federal departments to confirm the public holiday, while the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced the holiday for the private sector later on Monday.
In contrast to Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, no religious observances are typically held to mark the Islamic New Year. It is generally regarded as a day of reflection rather than celebration.
The holiday announcement will allow employees to enjoy a full Friday off and extend their weekend.
Shorter hours for public sector
The UAE government introduced a four-and-a-half-day week on January 1, 2022, with public sector employees completing full hours from Monday to Thursday and working from 7.30am until noon on Fridays.
The Sharjah government brought in a four-day working week – with public sector staff having a three-day weekend starting on Fridays – soon after. Dubai is to introduce a four-day working week for the summer months, but the initiative will come into force after the Islamic New Year is observed.
Employees will be divided into two groups. The first will work eight hours from Monday to Thursday, with Friday as a full holiday, while the second will work seven hours from Monday to Thursday and work a half-day on Friday. The initiative will run from July 1 to September 12.
It follows a pilot plan last summer, launched by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, called Our Summer is Flexible.
