We’re all still coming down from our five day Eid Al Adha weekend but the good news is THIS WEEKEND is a long one (can you tell we’re excited?)

Islamic New Year is coming up, and it’s just been confirmed by the UAE government that Sunday October 2 will be a national holiday for the public and private sector.

Yes, as in this weekend. This means a three-day weekend for people who have a standard two-day, Friday and Saturday weekend.

Islamic New Year is always celebrated on the first day of Muharram, which is the first Islamic month. This year it marks the beginning of the year 1438. It coincides with Prophet Mohammed’s journey from Makkah to Madinah.

The Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the moon, with each year lasting around 354 days.

OTHER PUBLIC HOLIDAYS COMING UP IN 2016

Wednesday November 30 – Commemoration Day

Formerly referred to as Martyr’s Day, this new holiday honours the Emiratis who have died while protecting their country. It will always fall on November 30, although the day off may sometimes change (as it did this year).

Friday December 2 – National Day

UAE National Day falls on December 2 every year, irrespective of the day. As it falls on a Friday in 2016 it’s likely a day off will be granted on the Thursday, meaning a four day weekend when paired with Commemoration Day.

2016 will mark the UAE’s 45th birthday (it will also be the year of Mark Wahlberg’s 45th birthday).

Monday December 12 – The birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)

The date of this holiday is called by the moon-sighting committee, but it is predicted to fall on Monday Decemer 12 in 2016 (this year the holiday has been announced for Thursday December 24, with a dry period from 5pm on December 22 until 6.30pm on December 23).

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