Latest news with #PublicHolidays


The National
05-08-2025
- Business
- The National
When is the next public holiday in the UAE?
While the Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr breaks are now behind us there are still more public holidays coming up before the end of the calendar year. The next holiday is the Prophet Mohammed's birthday, which is expected to be marked in the UAE on Thursday, September 4. The Prophet Mohammed's birthday is usually celebrated as a holiday for both the public and private sectors. While no official announcement has yet been made, this year is expected to be no different. However, that is not the end of 2025 public holidays in the UAE. Commemoration Day is on Monday, December 1, while National Day celebrations are set for Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, marks the anniversary of the founding of the UAE on December 2, 1971, when six of today's seven emirates united to form one country. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972. There will be festivities held across the nation from cultural celebrations and concerts to spectacular parades and fireworks. Malls across the nation will be decked out in National Day colours and themes, with discounts on offer to mark the occasion. Under a UAE Cabinet resolution, every year the public and private sectors receive two days off to mark National Day.


The National
25-06-2025
- Science
- The National
When is Ramadan 2026? Date forecast by Emirates Astronomy Society
The Emirates Astronomy Society on Wednesday forecast when Ramadan 2026 will begin as it looked ahead to Islamic New Year on Friday. The Islamic, or Hijri, New Year, heralds the beginning of Muharram, the first of 12 months of the year 1447 on the Islamic calendar. Ramadan will begin on February 18, 2026, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board of directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society. He also forecast that Eid Al Fitr will begin on March 20, 2026, and Eid Al Adha on May 27, 2026. There will be a total lunar eclipse visible from the UAE on September 7, 2025, he added, and again on March 3, 2026, albeit not visible from the Emirates. In contrast to Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, no religious observances are prescribed for the Islamic New Year. It is generally regarded as a day of reflection rather than celebration. Expected dates for next UAE public holidays Meanwhile, there are more public holidays to look forward to this year. After the Islamic New Year, the Prophet Mohammed's birthday is expected to be marked on Thursday, September 4. Commemoration Day is pencilled in for Monday, December 1, while National Day celebrations will probably be held on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3.


The Star
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Off-peak incentives will be offered to reduce traffic at Port Klang
PUTRAJAYA: Financial incentives will be offered to encourage hauliers to space out their entry into Port Klang so that traffic congestion in and around the port could be better managed, says the Transport Ministry. In particular, sums starting from RM7.50 for vehicles will be offered as a pilot programme beginning August, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) after he chaired the National Logistics Task Force meeting here yesterday. Hauliers entering Port Klang during off-peak hours (8pm to 8am) will receive RM15 for dual movements (enter and exit within the same time band) and RM7.50 for single movements. 'The cost of this incentive will be funded through a Terminal Access Charge (TAC) of RM10 payable by hauliers entering the port during peak hours (8am to 8pm). 'The imposition of TAC and the provision of incentives will be exempted on Sundays and Public Holidays. These measures provide clear incentives to help the industry move towards safer and more efficient practices,' said Loke of the scheme that is expected to be fully in place by the end of the year. In the same vein, importers and exporters that shift at least 50% of their haulage activity to off-peak hours by July 1 will also qualify for additional free storage time at the port. At present, a four-day free storage period is standard before charges apply. Loke said companies that do not maintain a 50:50 ratio between peak and off-peak movements may lose this free storage incentive. Currently, about 70% of haulage activity at Port Klang take place during peak hours, contributing to congestion and delays. The port saw a 9% increase in container volume in 2024, putting further pressure on surrounding roads. To address the issue, the Port Klang Authority (PKA) set up a special task force in January to study traffic patterns and recommended measures that included the introduction of these off-peak incentives. 'The goal is to spread out truck movements and reduce traffic during busy hours. This will not only ease congestion but also make our roads safer for everyone,' said Loke. When asked about yesterday's meeting between ministers and the Prime Minister, Loke confirmed that no reshuffling was mentioned at the occasion. 'Yes, there was a meeting with the Prime Minister, but I was not informed of any Cabinet changes. The Prime Minister said the Transport Minister remains,' he replied when asked whether the discussion centred on filling the two vacant ministerial posts. The vacancies arose following the resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad this week as Economy Minister and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister respectively.