Abu Dhabi, June 4 -- Private sector employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be granted a public holiday on Monday, June 15, to mark the start of the new Islamic year 1448 AH.

This was announced in a circular issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Work will resume as usual on Tuesday, June 16. The Monday holiday creates a long weekend for employees who are off on Saturdays and Sundays.

This follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) confirming the same holiday for the public sector.

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

The calendar has been observed for more tha...