• The Two Planets exhibit, part of the Kaleidoscope Light Show at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai
    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
    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 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
    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
    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
    The festival combines the power of photography, light and visual arts. Photo: Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai

UAE gears up for bumper public holiday for National Day


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

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
    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.
    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 took the opportunity to visit the Expo site at the weekend.
  • People wait to enter Lebanon's pavilion.
    People wait to enter Lebanon's pavilion.
  • The US pavilion attracted visitors.
    The US pavilion attracted visitors.
  • Italy's pavilion also proved a big draw.
    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.
    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.
    People take shelter from the sun outside Switzerland's pavilion.
  • Saudi Arabia's pavilion proved a popular attraction.
    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.
    The UAE's long weekend proved to be the perfect time for many to visit Expo 2020 Dubai.
PROFILE

Name: Enhance Fitness 

Year started: 2018 

Based: UAE 

Employees: 200 

Amount raised: $3m 

Investors: Global Ventures and angel investors 

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet

Price, base: Dh429,090

Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission Seven-speed automatic

Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

The specs: 2019 Mini Cooper

Price, base: Dh141,740 (three-door) / Dh165,900 (five-door)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder (Cooper) / 2.0-litre four-cylinder (Cooper S)
Power: 136hp @ 4,500rpm (Cooper) / 192hp @ 5,000rpm (Cooper S)
Torque: 220Nm @ 1,480rpm (Cooper) / 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (Cooper S)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 4.8L to 5.4L / 100km

FIXTURES

All games 6pm UAE on Sunday: 
Arsenal v Watford
Burnley v Brighton
Chelsea v Wolves
Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Everton v Bournemouth
Leicester v Man United
Man City v Norwich
Newcastle v Liverpool
Southampton v Sheffield United
West Ham v Aston Villa

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Updated: November 07, 2021, 9:18 AM