The Islamic New Year holiday, 1439 Hijri, is set on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, the Federal Authority for Human Resources announced.
الهيئة الاتحادية للموارد البشرية: إجازة رأس السنة الهجرية للعام 1439 في الحكومة الاتحادية لدولة #الإمارات في اليوم الأول من شهر محرم pic.twitter.com/6KAsvJNNge
— مصدر (@MSDAR_NEWS) September 17, 2017
Credit: @MSDAR_NEWS/Twitter
The occasion is a paid public holiday for all employees of private sector establishments in the country, The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization issued in a statement.
غرة محرم عطلة القطاع الخاص بمناسبة رأس السنة الهجرية #الامارات pic.twitter.com/Os6EBEdmRA
— MOHRE_UAE (@MOHRE_UAE) September 17, 2017
Credit: @MOHRE_UAE/Twitter
The first day of Muharram will be announced soon as determined by moon sighting reports.
It is expected to fall on Thursday, September 21, giving residents in the UAE a long weekend to enjoy.
It is based on the provisions of Article 74 of Federal Law No. 08 of 1980 concerning labour relations and its amendments.
The new year marked the arrival of the Prophet Mohammed in Medina after he emigrated from Mecca, which led to the establishment of the first Muslim community.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
