President Sheikh Khalifa has sent out messages of congratulations across the Arab world to mark the start of Hijri New Year on Thursday.
Sheikh Khalifa shared his best wishes to kings, presidents and emirs throughout the region in honour of the Islamic holiday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also delivered greetings for the occasion.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid congratulated the people of the UAE and Islamic world on a new Hijri year.
"A year that renews great meanings in us, noble values and principles," he said on Twitter.
He also offered a prayer for the secutiry and safety of the UAE and all Islamic nations
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed delivered a hopeful message for the year ahead.
"On the occasion of the Islamic New Year, we congratulate the people of the UAE and the Islamic world," he said.
"We pray that this will be a year of peace and prosperity for all. The Hijra is an inspiring chapter in our history, with valuable lessons for humanity."
The holiday marks the beginning of the new Islamic year 1442. It commemorates the day on which the Prophet Mohammed migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Muslims do not mark the event with celebrations.
However, workers across the UAE will have a long weekend on Sunday, August 23, with work resuming on Monday, August 24.
Public and private sector employees in the country now have the same number of holidays after a UAE Cabinet decision last year.
This decision removed the disparity in public holidays since earlier people employed in the private sector enjoyed fewer days off than employees of government companies.
Motorists in Abu Dhabi will enjoy free public parking over the holiday.
Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre said surface public parking bays will be free from Sunday, August 23 until 7:59am on Monday, August 24.
Public bus services will run to a Friday schedule, while ferry schedules between Jebel Dhanna port and Dalma Island and from Saadiyat to Al Aliah Island will operate as normal.
The specs
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The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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Simon Nadim has completed 7,000 dives.
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Section 375
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Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
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Northern Warriors 92-1 (10 ovs)
Russell 37 no, Billings 35 no
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Team Abu Dhabi win by six wickets
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Thursday January 9 - Oman v UAE
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Rating: 3/5