The Abu Dhabi Government has announced the list of public holidays planned for 2016.

"The following list shows the public holidays in the UAE for the year 2016. The official reference to determine Islamic occasions, such as the beginning of Ramadan or Haj, is the Hijri Calendar. It is based on the phases of the moon. Hence, the exact dates of Islamic events vary from one Gregorian year to another as they depend on the local sightings of the moon," the announcement reads.

All federal ministries, public departments and institutions will be closed on the following holidays:

- January 1, New Years Day

- May 5, Israa and Miraj Night

*Holiday moved to May 4 for public sector*

- June 6, Ramadan expected to begin*

- July 6, Eid Al Fitr*

- September 2, Haj season*

- September 10, Arafat Day*

- September 11, Eid Al Adha*

- October 2, Hijri New Year*

- November 30, Commemoration Day

- December 2 and 3, UAE National Day

- December 11, Prophet Mohammed's Birthday*

* Please remember Islamic holiday exact dates are subject to moon sighting and may differ from date given.

According to the website, the UAE National Day holiday will be two days, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha will be three days, and the others will be one day.

This page will be updated throughout the year, with the latest news as it is announced. Relevant dates for both the public and private sector in the UAE will be linked.

newsdesk@thenational.ae