UAE National Day Holiday for Private Sector Announced

A few days ago, authorities in the UAE said workers in the government agencies will get a five-day holiday for the 43rd UAE National Day. Today, December 2 was announced a non-working holiday for employees in the private sector.

Official statement in the state news agency WAM by Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, UAE Minister of Labour, announces a paid holiday for the private sector on occasion of the country’s National Day. It marks the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates and is celebrated each year across all seven emirates. According to the statement, workers in private companies and departments will get one day off on Tuesday, December 2, 2014.

The announcement comes several days after it became clear that the public sector will receive a long holiday starting from Tuesday, December 2 and lasting through December 4. As Friday and Saturday are traditionally non-working days, work in ministries, federal departments and all government agencies will resume on Sunday, December 7. This means employees in the public sector will have a five-day break.

What is celebrated on that day?

Each year the National Day is celebrated on December 2 in the UAE, marking the country’s formal nationalization. It happened after the British Protectorate Treaties that ended on December 1, 1971, and on December 2, the country was established as a federation of seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. This year, the UAE is marking its 43rd anniversary as an independent and unified country.

How is the UAE National Day celebrated?

The national Day is observed in all seven emirates and celebrated with grand festivities, fireworks, special events, and shows that often last for several days. Despite the fact that less than 20 percent of the country’s population is Emirati, everyone is taking part in the celebrations.