Eight-day holiday for offices? Mourning period starts in Dubai

DUBAI: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, passed away recently. A ten-day mourning period was declared following his death, and the flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast.

These are the possible changes the kingdom may bring during the mourning period.

In a normal case, official mourning will be declared in UAE upon the death of prominent leaders or following tragedies involving significant loss of life. It is a solemn gesture to pay respect to the deceased. In addition to flying flags at half-mast, public and entertainment events will be rescheduled.

When Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died in September 2020, a ten-day mourning period was observed. The duration of mourning varies depending on the individual, the circumstances of their death, and whether the mourning is declared at the federal or local level.

A 40-day mourning period was observed when UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, passed away in November 2004. Similarly, a 40-day mourning period was observed following the death of the former UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in May 2022.

An official announcement is awaited regarding the holidays allowed to offices in the country. In the usual case, government departments and public sector undertakings suspend operations for a specified period. Occasionally, directives to halt operations may also be issued to the private sector. However, this does not apply to every declaration of mourning.

Following the passing of the former UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, all government institutions and schools were closed for eight days, while private establishments were granted a three-day holiday. However, no such holiday was announced upon the passing of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.