Eid Al Fitr holiday announced for UAE public & private sectors

The UAE has announced a week-long holiday for the public sector to mark Eid Al Fitr.

The UAE Cabinet mandated that federal government staff would be given paid leave from Monday to Sunday, April 8 to 14. 

Work will resume on Monday, April 15, the UAE Media Office reported on Sunday evening. 

The decision means government employees will enjoy a break of up to nine days, when including the weekends on either side of the announced holiday. 

Eid’s exact start date will be confirmed by the UAE’s Moon-sighting committee. 

Private sector workers could be set for a one-week holiday in celebration of Eid Al Fitr. 

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation on Monday confirmed employees will be given paid leave from the 29th day of Ramadan, Monday, April 8, until the third day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. 

The first day of Shawwal heralds the beginning of Eid Al Fitr.

If Ramadan lasts for 29 days, this means the third day of Shawwal will be on Thursday, giving workers a four day break. 

In this instance, work will resume on Friday, April 12. 

If Ramadan is observed for 30 days, as has been forecast, the Eid holiday will run until Friday, April 12. Work would then resume on Monday, April 15. The UAE Cabinet on Sunday directed that federal government staff would be granted paid leave from Monday, April 8 until Sunday, April 14. Work will resume on Monday, April 15. 

The announcement means some in the private sector could receive a holiday of up to nine days, when the weekends either side of the break are included. 

Eid’s starting date will be confirmed by the UAE’s Moon-sighting committee. 

Federal government and private sector workers are typically afforded the same number of holiday dates per year.