This year's Eid al-Adha has already begun to evoke a sense of travel and relaxation for many residents of the UAE.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that private sector employees across the UAE will be off from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29, and that government offices and companies will resume operations on Monday, June 1.

Meanwhile, public sector employees will have one extra day off, starting their Eid holiday on Monday, May 25.

At the same time, the sighting of the crescent moon for Dhul-Hijjah has been officially confirmed, and accordingly, Monday, May 18 will be the first day of Dhul-Hijjah in the UAE. Arafah Day will be on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid al-Adha will begin on Wednesday, May 27.

The good news for families and students is that schools in the UAE will also enter mid-term and Eid al-Adha holidays. The Ministry of Education has announced that schools will be closed from May 25 to May 29, and considering the weekend, some students will have up to 9 days off, and in Sharjah, even up to 10 days.

According to UAE law, if an employee works on an official holiday, the employer is obligated to provide compensation or extra pay.

• Private sector holidays: May 26 to May 29

• Public sector holidays: May 25 to May 29

• Start of Eid al-Adha: May 27

• Return to work and school: June 1

• School closures in Sharjah: up to 10 days including weekends

Source: Gulf News