A UAE Public Holiday Just Got Confirmed For May

While the UAE has been working five-day weeks since since January 1, the country just got confirmation of an extra day off work.

The public sector is entitled to May 5 out of the office in recognition of the Isra and Mi'raj holiday, according to news agency WAM. It stems from the story of the Prophet Muhammed's journey to Jerusalem (Isra) and then to heaven (Mi'raj).

While it falls on Wednesday, the Federal Authority for Government Resources has decided to mark it on the Thursday.

It's a shift often seen with public holidays that fall between two working days.

There are a few more dates lined up on the Islamic calendar that are rough guides to future holidays, usually determined by moon sightings.

Ramadan: June 6 - 0 days

Eid Al Fitr: July 7 - 3 days

Arafat (Haj) Day: September 10 - 1 day

Eid Al Adha: September 11 - 3 days

Hijri New Year's Day: October 2 - 1 day

UAE Commemoration Day: November 30 - 1 day

UAE National Day: December 2 - 2 days

Prophet Mohammed's Birthday: December 12 - 1 day