World gears up for Eid-al-Fitr, Holidays declared and bonus announced
Ramadan is nearly over, and whilst we wait for the first day of Eid Al Fitr to be officially announced, governments across the world are gearing up for the Eid with declaring Holidays and announcing Bonuses.
The Eid Al Fitr holiday for private-sector employees will be Shawwal 1-2, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on Tuesday. Depending on when Eid begins, Shawwal 1 will either coincide with Friday, June 15, or Saturday, June 16.
“It is decided that the first and second days of the month of Shawwal 1439 Hijri shall be a paid vacation for all private-sector employees on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr,” a circular issued by Ministry said.
If Eid falls on Friday (making Ramadan 29 days), private-sector companies be closed until Saturday, with work resuming on Sunday. Should it fall on Saturday (making Ramadan 30 days), they will remain closed until Sunday, with work resuming on Monday. The official start of Eid Al Fitr is subject to the moon sighting.
The holiday for public-sector employees was announced by the authority on Sunday. Government ministries and departments will be closed from Thursday, resuming work on either Monday or Tuesday, depending on when Eid is called.
The ministry conveyed greetings to the President Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the rulers of the Emirates.
Abu Dhabi announces Bonus for Eid
The finance departments of Abu Dhabi and Ajman announced on Monday the beginning of issuing one month’s basic salary bonus for government employees and retirees in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the UAE’s founding father, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The Department of Finance of Abu Dhabi issued the bonus in line with directives from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – for all government employees and retirees – earlier in May. The Dh1.6 billion worth of payment to all federal workers will be made before Eid Al Fitr, as announced by the president.
Additionally, the Finance Department of Ajman announced a similar decision to make the payment before Eid Al Fitr as well, according to reports.
Saudi King orders Bonus for Eid
Meanwhile Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has ordered a 1.7 billion riyal ($453 million) payout to beneficiaries of social security in the kingdom ahead of the upcoming Islamic Eid holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday the directive is to help people meet their needs during the Eid holiday, which begins this weekend.
In January, the king authorized a much larger package of bonuses and payouts for social security beneficiaries, civil servants, military personnel and Saudi students on scholarships abroad after a new tax was introduced and subsidies were lifted on gasoline.
Eid Al Fitr marks one of two holy feasts celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The first day of Eid Al Fitr – which translates in Arabic to the feast of breaking the fast – coincides with the first day of the lunar calendar month of Shawwal.
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