Eid Al Adha public holidays announced

The Eid Al Adha dates have been announced for all federal bodies & ministries and the private sector.

Muslims observe Eid prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National
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ABU DHABI // The Eid Al Adha holiday for staff at all government ministries and federal bodies will begin next Wednesday.

Normal working hours will resume on Sunday, September 27, according to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.

Arafat Day, the day before Eid Al Adha, is also traditionally a public holiday in the UAE.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airports said travel initiatives had been put in place for the busy Haj season, which started this week with the first special charter flight bound for Jeddah. There are 4,982 Muslims from the Emirates expected to travel to Mecca for the annual pilgrimage.

“We are honoured to support pilgrims as they embark on their journey from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Saudi Arabia,” said Ahmed Al Haddabi, chief operations officer at Abu Dhabi Airports.

“Haj is a highly significant and demanding occasion so it’s very important for measures to be in place to help travellers minimise stress during their trips. We wish them a safe and peaceful pilgrimage to the holy city and look forward to welcoming them on their return.”

Mohammed Al Marzouqi is overseeing Haj operations at Dubai International Airport. He urged pilgrims to arrive four hours before departure time and six hours for their return flight from Saudi, where procedures and queues are longer.

“Pilgrims need to make sure they have their own Haj permit with them and that their passports are valid for six months. This applies to the residency visa for residents in the UAE,” Mr Al Marzouqi said.

Pilgrims have been urged to make sure they have received their vaccinations. Meningitis vaccinations are compulsory, but influenza and pneumonia jabs are also recommended.

UAE public holidays: click here for the complete 2015 listings

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