DUBAI: The Filipino community has started planning ahead for what could be a five-day break during this year’s Eid Al Fitr holiday. This if, going by the Islamic Hijri calendar, Ramadan ends after 29 days, which means Eid Al Fitr could fall on Tuesday, July 5.
The private sector is then likely to have a two-day holiday on — Tuesday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 6. Since Thursday would be a working day, private sector employees can convert it into a 5-day weekend by obtaining a day’s leave on Thursday.
However, the public sector could have a straight 5-day break, if it is granted a three-day holiday in tandem with the two-day weekend. Antonio Baeza of Sharjah said he and his friends have always looked forward to long breaks during Eid Al Fitr. “It’s fun to finally have time to mingle with our Muslim brothers and join them in their celebrations,” he said. Baeza has been in the UAE working as an engineer for the past six years, he said. Annalou Delario of Satwa, for her part, said it’s the beach for her and her family. “We make it a point to take this holiday as a means for the family to enjoy quality bonding time,” she said.
