Residents recently enjoyed a six-day weekend to mark Eid Al Adha, the Islamic festival. This holiday falls in Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

We are just days away from the Hijri New Year, which means another three-day weekend. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, president of the Emirates Astronomy Society (ESA), the new Hijri year (Muharram 1) is likely to be on Wednesday, July 19. However, as per the list of official holidays released by the UAE government, the holiday to mark the new year will be on Friday, July 21. This translates into a three-day weekend.

This year's 4th - and final - long break will be held on Friday, September 29, to mark Prophet Muhammad's birthday. This will be another long weekend.

The last holiday of the year is to mark the UAE National Day: December 2 and 3 (Saturday and Sunday).

Dates likely to be Ramadan and Eid in the next year

In addition, Al Jarwan has revealed the likely dates of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha in 2024.

The holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday, March 11, according to astronomical calculations. It’s likely to last 30 days. Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Wednesday, April 10. Employees in the UAE typically get a holiday from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3.

Eid Al Adha in 2024 is likely to be on Monday, June 17.

Islamic calendars are based on moon sightings, unlike the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, dates are subject to change based on when the crescent moon is spotted.

Khaleej Times earlier reported that astronomical calculations and moon sightings do not contradict one another when determining the Islamic calendar, but are used in tandem.

“Due to the fact that the 12 months created by God follow the formula of gravity between earth and moon, there are no contradictions between moon sightings and astronomical calculations. “Islam supports using knowledge and science, so it is harmonious,” Hasan Hariri, director of Dubai Astronomy Group, said.