The UAE's private sector workers will be granted three days of public holiday to mark Commemoration Day and the country's landmark 50th National Day.
Employees will enjoy a break from Wednesday, December 1, to Friday, December 3.
The December 1 public holiday is in recognition of Commemoration Day, which remembers those who lost their lives serving their country.
Two further days of leave will be granted to allow citizens and residents to share in the UAE's grand 50th birthday celebrations.
The public holiday was confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Earlier, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed public sector workers would also be given the same three-day public holiday.
It will mean a long weekend for many as the Emirates unites for a spectacular line-up of Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The UAE's official 50th National Day event will take place in Hatta on December 2.
A spectacular theatrical show will be broadcast live on December 2 at 5.30pm from a striking, natural location near the town.
People will be able to watch it on the country’s National Day website and all local TV channels.
Afterwards, an event recognising the UAE's rich history will be open to the public from December 4 to 12.
The biog
Born: High Wycombe, England
Favourite vehicle: One with solid axels
Favourite camping spot: Anywhere I can get to.
Favourite road trip: My first trip to Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan. The desert they have over there is different and the language made it a bit more challenging.
Favourite spot in the UAE: Al Dhafra. It’s unique, natural, inaccessible, unspoilt.
In The Heights
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda
Rating: ****
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
