YES, Thursday is Off For Both Public and Private Sectors

Earlier this week we shared that both the public and private sectors would enjoy a day off for Islamic New Year. 

And at first, it was a little unclear as to what day that would exactly be. 

But now - thankfully - we've finally received clarification, after the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources announced that The Hijri New Year holiday will be observed on Thursday, 21st September. 

Meaning - both public and private sectors have Thursday off. 

Despite the confusion throughout the week regarding what day would be dry, and whether or not we would have a long weekend, it's all cleared up now and we're sure everyone is looking forward to having the extra day off. 

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that a holiday would occur for Islamic New Year in the UAE, with the public sector confirmation following shortly after for federal and government employees. 

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Now, following an announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, the private sector too, will enjoy a holiday on the same day. 

Schools will be closed, too

Students across Dubai will enjoy a day off on Thursday too, on occasion of Al Hijra - Islamic New Year.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai confirmed the news via their official Twitter account.

"We asked the moon, and the moon said yes. "That means there's no school Thursday.) Happy Hijri everyone!" the Tweet read. 

About Al Hijra, the Islamic New Year

The Islamic calendar differs to the Gregorian calendar currently used in Western countries - it is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year, and follows moon sightings. Thus, dates may differ from year to year in comparison to the Gregorian calendar. 

Islamic New Year is officially called Al Hijra, and it is the first day of Muharram - which is the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar.