UAE gears up for bumper public holiday for National Day

Next break will celebrate the UAE's Golden Jubilee

The Two Planets exhibit, part of the Kaleidoscope Light Show at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai

An installation at Al Forsan Park, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai

The Kaleidoscope Light Show is running alongside Expo's Space Week. Photo: Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai

The night-time light festival includes planetary-inspired light sculptures, art projections and installations. Photo: Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020’s Space Week is also hosting astronauts, thought-leaders and other space experts to spotlight the latest innovations in space research and travel. Photo: Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai

The festival combines the power of photography, light and visual arts. Photo: Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai

Last week’s public holiday may now seem like a distant memory, but luckily there is not that long to wait until the next ones.

Because in a little over three weeks’ time – at the start of December – employees across the country will receive three days off, which will stretch to four for many, to celebrate the UAE's Golden Jubilee.

According to the calendar of holidays approved by the government, the first three days of the month will be paid holidays for both the public and private sectors.

The break begins with a public holiday on Wednesday, December 1, to mark Commemoration Day, which remembers those who lost their lives serving their country.

It is immediately followed by a further two days off to celebrate the country’s 50th birthday, on December 2 and December 3.

As December 3 is a Friday, many people may already be off that day. Many employees will have a total of four days off, as December 4 is a Saturday.

The Golden Jubilee celebration, which will be marked by events across the country, will be the final public holiday of 2021.

Although 2022 begins with a public holiday on January 1, many will not receive the benefit, as it falls on a Saturday, when a lot of people will already be off.

Visitors flock to Expo for holiday weekend - in pictures

Long queues form outside India's Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Queues outside Saudi fast-food restaurant Al Baik. The fried chicken brand opened its second UAE branch at the Expo site this month.

People took the opportunity to visit the Expo site at the weekend.

People wait to enter Lebanon's pavilion.

The US pavilion attracted visitors.

Italy's pavilion also proved a big draw.

There are several food stalls at the Expo site, meaning visitors can keep hydrated and enjoy tasty treats on the go.

People take shelter from the sun outside Switzerland's pavilion.

Saudi Arabia's pavilion proved a popular attraction.

The UAE's long weekend proved to be the perfect time for many to visit Expo 2020 Dubai.