Treat yourself to a nice lie-in on the first day of the new year…

After it was announced last week that government employees will be entitled to a sweet four-day long weekend over the New Year, those of us in the private sector were secretly crossing our fingers that we’d get some of the same.

Of course, this was always a bit too much to hope for, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has publicly confirmed that all private sector employees will be entitled to only Monday, January 1 off, with work to resume on Tuesday, January 2.

Still, we aren’t complaining, a day off in the middle of the first workweek of the year is nothing to snub one’s nose at.

Here’s the other holidays you can look forward to in 2018…

Friday April 13 (dependent on moon sighting) – Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raj

This holiday marks the night that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascended to heaven. The day off could be moved to the Thursday or Sunday.

Thursday June 14 (dependent on moon sighting) – Eid Al Fitr

The end of Ramadan typically means two days off work.

Monday August 20 (dependent on moon sighting) – Arafat Day

This holiday marks the second day of the yearly pilgrimage to Haj, and will likely mean a day off.

Tuesday August 21 (dependent on moon sighting) – Eid Al Adha

Honouring Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, we typically get three days off for this holiday.

Tuesday September 11 (dependent on moon sighting) – Al Hijri, Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year in 2018 will mark the year 1439.

Tuesday November 20 (dependent on moon sighting) – Milad Un Nabi

This holiday marks Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday and usually means a day off.

Friday November 30 – Commemoration Day

Formerly referred to as Martyr’s Day, this holiday honours the Emiratis who have died while protecting their country.

Saturday December 2 – UAE National Day

2018 will mark the UAE’s 47th birthday, celebrating the unification of the seven emirates in 1971.

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