Dubai, Oct 22( Emirates 24/7): It’s not listed on the official holiday list and is not mandatory, but some private companies, primarily the ones owned by Indians in the UAE, have given their employees a holiday on the occasion of Diwali, a big festival for Indians.
Landmark Group, one of the big companies owned by an Indian businessman, has declared an off day for its employees. “There are celebrations in the office today and we get a holiday tomorrow,” an employee at the company told this website.
An Indian working for a company based in Jebel Ali has also got an off for the festival. Taking the advantage of the few days, he along with some other colleagues, who work in the manufacturing company have gone back to their home country to celebrate it with their family.
Puma, a sportswear company, has also given its employees a day off. “It’s a holiday for us tomorrow,” confirmed an employee working in the international company.
Many small food and grocery stores have also given an off tomorrow to its Hindu employees to celebrate Diwali.
“Our store will run as normal, however, our employer gives us the option to take off on important festivals. We take off on Diwali and our Christian co-workers do the same during Christmas,” said an employee working at a food store in Deira asking not to be named.
Puma, a sportswear company has also given its employees a day off. “It’s a holiday for us tomorrow,” confirmed an employee working in the international company.
A majority of the Indian employees in the city will be working as usual, but they are happy that since it’s the last working day of the week they can celebrate late into the night.
“It’s not an off day for us, but we will leave early tomorrow. It’s a busy day for us and my boss doesn’t have a problem with that,” said another Indian working in a publishing company in Jumeriah Lake Towers.
Many residential communities are also organising events to celebrate the festival. The Greens organised an event for its Indian residents last week and boards have been placed outside each community in the Emirates Living area to wish everyone a happy Diwali.