Al Hijri New Year holiday announced for UAE public sector

Public sector workers in the UAE will have a holiday on Thursday September 13, the Cabinet announced on Monday.

Al Hijri New Year is expected to fall on Tuesday September 11 and run into Wednesday, which will be working days.

The occasion does not involve public celebrations or events.

It is considered to be a day dedicated to faith, and a time when Muslims honour the beginning of Islam and reflect on the passage of time.

Hotels and bars are asked to refrain from hosting live entertainment and alcohol is not served for 24 hours.

The new year marked the arrival of the Prophet Mohammed in Madinah after he emigrated from Makkah, an occasion that led to the establishment of the first Muslim community based on Islamic teachings.

Known as the Hijra, the migration from marked the beginning of the Islamic era, or 1AH, in 622AD.

The Islamic year consists of 12 lunar months and is 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year.

The National