Will expatriates get nine days off for Ramadan? Good chance for thousands to visit home during holy month

ABU DHABI: Ramadan fasting started on February 18, and believers will engage in 30 days of fasting and purity to welcome the holy month. This period is also an opportunity for thousands of expatriates to return home and spend time with their families.

The UAE is giving three days of holiday in conjunction with Ramadan. The UAE public holiday will be from Shawwal 1 to 3. This year, it is estimated that the dates will fall from March 20 to 22, Friday to Sunday. The exact dates will be decided when the official committees meet on March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan, after the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.

If the Shawwal moon is sighted on March 18, Ramadan will begin on March 19. In that case, UAE residents will have a four-day holiday from March 19 to March 22. Sunday is an official weekend holiday in the Emirates.

If the crescent moon is not sighted on March 18, Ramadan will last for the full 30 days. In that case, Ramadan will begin on March 20, allowing just three days of leave. However, with good planning, expatriates can get more days off. If they apply for annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16-19, they can enjoy nine days of leave, including weekends and Ramadan holidays, from Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 22.