ABU DHABI 23 June 2017: Yesterday, Thursday June 22nd was the last working day for the government sector in the UAE.
How long will they be depends on the sighting of the new Shawwal moon. Either way, it won’t be less than 5 days and not more than 9 days, according to the government.
But for the private sector it’s another matter – they get two days off for EidAl Fitr.
Private Sector: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has declared the Eid Al Fitr holiday as an official paid holiday for all private sector employees in the UAE, and will take place on the first and second days of Shawwal in the Islamic year 1425.
Private sector in the UAE will effectively get 4 days of holidays starting from Friday 23rd June to Monday 26th of June – if the crescent is sighted on Saturday. Otherwise, they work on Sunday and get Monday and Tuesday off.
Government Sector: Question is – how many does does government sector get off – 5 or 9 days?
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced that Eid Al Fitr holiday for federal ministries and authorities in the UAE will begin on Saturday 29th Ramadan (corresponding to 24th June).
If Eid falls on Sunday, 25th June, work will resume on Wednesday (June 28th). That is effectively five days starting Friday June 23 to June 27.
If Eid falls on Monday, 26th June, the holiday will still begin on Saturday, 29th Ramadan, with work resuming on Sunday, 2nd July. That is effectively 9 days starting from Friday June 23 to July 1.
Sunday Eid Likely
But according to the Islamic Crescent Observation Project (Icop), astronomically Eid Al Fitr of Hijri year 1438 will be on Sunday, 25th June in most Muslim countries, considering that sighting of the moon is a condition for the beginning of the month of Shawwal.
Mohammed Shoukat Awdah, head of Icop, said that most Islamic countries will witness the new moon of Shawwal on coming Saturday, said Wam.
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By Eudore R. Chand