Public Holidays
Public Holidays
Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Jan 21 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 10 Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year). Apr 21 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). Aug 6 Accession of HH Sheikh Zayed. Sep 1 Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet). Nov 3-5 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 2 National Day. Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Jan 11 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Jan 31 Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year). Apr 11 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). Aug 6 Accession of HH Sheikh Zayed. Aug 22 Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet). Oct 22-24 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 2 National Day.
Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix.
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