The next public holiday is here. Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, began on Monday, May 2.
The moon-sighting committee announced the news on Saturday, April 30, as the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon.
When did Eid Al Fitr 2022 start in the UAE?
Considered the festival of ending the fast, the celebration immediately comes after Ramadan.
The holy month of Ramadan lasts for either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is sighted, as the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
In April, the Emirates Astronomical society had initially forecast that Eid Al Fitr and the first of Shawwal would be on May 2, with the last day of Ramadan falling on May 1.
On Saturday, the moon-sighting committee said it was not possible to see the new crescent moon, which indicates the start of the next Islamic month.
It meant that Ramadan would last for 30 days with Eid Al Fitr falling on Monday, May 2.
How many holidays will people have for Eid Al Fitr 2022?
The end of Ramadan is marked by a holiday for both the public and private sectors, which this year starts on the 30th day of Ramadan and lasts until the third day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Private sector workers will enjoy a public holiday from Ramadan 29 until Shawwal 3 while federal government workers have been given a week-long holiday to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
These dates mean that for workers in the private sector, the Eid holiday will be from Saturday, April 30, until Wednesday, May 4, depending on the start date of Eid.
The decision was made by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
That will give many people a five-day break, with employees returning to work on Thursday.
For federal government workers, the UAE Cabinet ratified a decision for the Eid holiday to run from Saturday, April 30, until Friday, May 6.
The decision covers all ministries and federal agencies in the UAE. Official working hours will resume on Monday, May 9, news agency Wam said.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr is the holiday that marks the completion of Ramadan and the month-long fasting period.
Practices vary around the world but commonly include morning prayers, public holidays, visiting family and friends, new clothing and henna, gifts and charity donations.
The Porpoise
By Mark Haddon
(Penguin Random House)
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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