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Tag Archives: Becoming an expat in the UAE
UAE Public Holidays for 2020
These are the official dates of public holidays for the UAE for the coming year, as well as notable dates, so you can make a note in your diary now and plan ahead. Actual days of holiday for both the public and private sector should be the same and these are the dates announced by the UAE Government.
As usual, dates of Islamic holidays will be subject to slight variation, dependent on moon sighting, and others may also change.
With this in mind, this article will be updated throughout the year as any changes are announced.
| Occasion | Date | Day of the week | No. of Days |
| New Year’s Day | January 1st | Wednesday | 1 |
| Beginning of Ramadan* | April 24th | Friday | 0 |
| Eid Al Fitr* | May 23rd | Saturday | 4 |
| Arafat (Haj) Day* | July 29th | Wednesday | 1 |
| Eid Al Adha* | July 30th | Thursday | 3 |
| Hijri New Year’s Day* | August 23rd | Sunday | 1 |
| Prophet’s Birthday | October 29th | Thursday | 1 |
| Commemoration Day | December 1st | Tuesday | 1 |
| UAE National Day | December 2nd & 3rd | Wednesday & Thursday | 2 |
| *Islamic holiday dates are dependent on moon sighting and all are subject to confirmation and may change | |||
I write articles such as this one as part of the holistic personal financial planning service and that I provide to expats, and the general consumer, financial and legal information that I provide in The National newspaper, on Capital Radio UAE, and on the Facebook group British Expats Dubai.
To arrange a meeting to discuss any aspect of your personal financial planning, please email me at keren@holbornassets.com Please take a look at the other useful articles on this website.
Source: UAE Government Communications Office
Seasonal Spending – hints and tips for a happier Christmas & New Year
As we head rapidly towards the end of 2019 the prospect of Christmas and New Year is daunting for many due to the cost of the celebrations. With Christmas being as much a cultural as a religious event for most people, and New Year being a party time too, this article is all about some hints and tips for budgeting at this time of year.
The holidays are a time when people want to splash out but it is all too easy to get carried away with all the advertising, tempting shop displays, and the associated pressure to make everything perfect.
The cost of living in the UAE is higher than ever and with many people having concerns about expenditure, and even job security, there are ways to cut back but still have a good time.
Sharia law & your money in the UAE
Whilst most people are aware that Sharia law is the legal framework used in the GCC countries, not all expats have realised that this can affect them and their money.
- Did you know that on death your bank accounts and assets in the UAE will be frozen?
- Did you realise that your spouse, or other family members, may not get access for many months? Or that they may only get a small percentage?
- Are you aware that your assets may not automatically go to your spouse?
November 2020. Some information in this article has been superceded by new legislation so please see this article for the lastest details regarding the laws on death while in the UAE:
New personal laws in the UAE but what do they really mean for you?
UAE Public holidays for 2018
These are the official dates of public holidays for the UAE for the coming year so you can make a note in your diary now and plan ahead. Actual days off work for both the public and private sector will vary but these are the dates announced by the UAE Government so far.
How to focus on your financial priorities
Many of us muddle through our financial lives, not focusing on what matters the most, so this article is designed to help you sort out your financial priorities.
You have probably thought that there are some issues you need to address but it is common to be stuck in limbo, not quite sure what to tackle first, or a to have a vague to-do list but are unsure where to start.
I am often asked what are the most important topics to focus on so this is a guide to what you may need to look at if you haven’t reviewed your personal finances before, or haven’t done so for some time. What should you do now and what is most important?
All too frequently I see people who have been sold long-term savings plans without having been given the right advice to address more immediate issues. The most important consideration is to focus on what could go wrong tomorrow and then to take steps to protect you and your family. This doesn’t have to be expensive but this is what proper, ethical, financial planning is all about.
Need to know: New to Dubai? Important financial information
This article has been superseded by one published on 25th August 2020
New to Dubai? Important facts and financial information
UAE Public Holidays for 2017
These are the official dates of public holidays for the UAE for the coming year so you can make a note in your diary now and plan ahead. Actual days off work for both the public and private sector will vary but these are the dates announced by the Government so far.
New to Dubai? A very useful event just for you.
If you are new to Dubai then you’ll already know that life here is quite different to being in your home country so make a note in your diary to come along to a helpful presentation to get you up to speed on lots of things that you need to know. Saturday 13th August, 9am to 12pm, at FC Dubai in Al Quoz (near Ace Hardware).
This event is run by Citispi and features several guest speakers on a variety of topics including all manner of financial issues from me, property by Espace Real Estate and schooling from British Orchard Nursery. The venue has a supervised children’s play area and there will refreshments and snacks. Citispi will also provide information about the local social scene.
The Benefits of Offshore Banking for Expats
This article has been fully updated so please see HERE for the latest version
Offshore bank accounts – The benefits for expats June 2020
For further details on opening an offshore bank account and the paperwork to start the process, or for information on any other personal financial planning issue, please contact me at keren@holbornassets.com
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