The UAE Cabinet has done it again! In a move that has workers across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrating, the government announced a new policy: if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, an extra day off will be granted on either the preceding Friday or the following Monday. This decision aims to ensure that everyone enjoys their well-deserved breaks without losing out at the weekend.
Get Ready For Extended Breaks in 2025!
In May 2024, they rolled out the public holiday calendar for 2025, and trust us, it’s not just any calendar. This year’s announcement came with a twist that will have you marking your planners with glee. Say hello to longer weekends and surprise holidays!
As always, the calendar outlines all the fixed holidays on the Gregorian calendar. But let’s not forget the lunar calendar dates, which depend on the moon’s sighting. While this is nothing new, the Cabinet threw in an exciting resolution under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024. This resolution is about to change how we experience public holidays in a big way.
According to the new rule, if a holiday falls on the weekend, it may be carried over by a Cabinet decision to the beginning or end of the week. Imagine your favourite holiday landing on a Saturday or Sunday. Instead of missing out, you get an extra day off on the preceding Friday or the following Monday. How cool is that? This policy applies to all UAE public holidays except for Eid, keeping it extra special.
Emirate-Specific Holidays: More Surprises Ahead
The resolution didn’t stop there. The local governments may also approve any other official holidays. They are talking about the ones which are not mentioned in this resolution for their government departments and institutions on special occasions or any other. This means that in 2025, we might see some additional holidays that are specific to each emirate. Imagine celebrating a local festival or event with an extra day off, exclusive to your region!
This resolution reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing work-life balance. Extended weekends and extra holidays mean more time for family, leisure, and relaxation. It’s a move that will surely boost morale and productivity, giving everyone a chance to recharge and enjoy life a little more.
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Mark Your Calendars
So, get your calendars ready and start planning those long weekends and mini-vacations. With the new rules in place, 2025 is set to be a year of more extended breaks and unexpected holidays. Whether it’s a moon sighting or a Cabinet decision, your next year is about to get a whole lot more exciting.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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