GEN 2.1 Measuring system, aircraft markings, holidays
2.1.1 Units of measurement
The units of measurement used within EMIRATES FIR conform to the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices specified in Annex 5, Units of Measurement to be used in Air and Ground Operations.
SUMMARY
Units of Measurement |
|---|
| Distance used in navigation, position reporting, etc., generally in excess of 2 to 3 NM | NM and tenths |
| Relatively short distances such as those relating to aerodromes, e.g. runway lengths | Metres |
| * Altitudes, elevations and heights | Feet and Metres |
| Horizontal speed including wind speed | Knots |
| Vertical Speed | Feet per minute |
| Wind direction for landing and take-off | Degrees Magnetic |
| Wind direction except for landing and take-off | Degrees True |
| Visibility including RVR | Kilometres or Metres |
| Temperature | Degrees Celsius |
| Weight | Metric Tons or Kilograms |
| Altimeter setting, atmospheric pressure | Hectopascal |
| * unless otherwise stated, refer to AMSL |
2.1.2 Temporal Reference System
2.1.2.1 Co - ordinated Universal Time (UTC) is used in the air traffic communication services and in documents published by the Aeronautical Information Service.
2.1.2.2 The day of 24 hours begins at midnight and is divided into hours, minutes and seconds.
2.1.2.3 In reporting time, the nearest full minute is used. Time checks to aircraft are accurate to the nearest minute only.
2.1.2.4 Local time in the United Arab Emirates is UTC plus 4 hours.
2.1.3 Horizontal Reference System
2.1.3.1 Geographic co-ordinates for all airspaces and international airports' locations are based upon the World Geodetic System - 1984 (WGS 84) geodetic reference datum. Published co-ordinates meet the accuracy requirements specified in ICAO DOC 10066. Other geographic co-ordinates including those for domestic airports are based upon unverified survey data. Accuracy requirements are not necessarily satisfied.
2.1.3.2 Projection is expressed in term of Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM).
2.1.3.3 Ellipsoid is expressed in terms of the World Geodetic System - 1984 (WGS 84) ellipsoid.
2.1.3.4 The area of application for the published geographical coordinates coincides with the area of responsibility of United Arab Emirates as well as the airspace over the high seas encompassed by the EMIRATES FIR.
2.1.3.5 Co-ordinates based upon unverified survey data or data of unknown accuracy are marked with an asterisk.
2.1.4 Vertical Reference System
2.1.4.1 The vertical reference system corresponds to Mean Sea Level (MSL).The selected terms used in this AIP are explained as follows:
- GND : Refers to "the Surface of the Earth" or SFC.
- UNL: Refers to unlimited
- AGL/SFC: The distance measured from the surface of the Earth
- AMSL/MSL: The distance measured from mean sea level. Equivalent to altitude.
2.1.4.2 EGM2008 is the Geoid Model used in OMDB and OMDW for determining elevations above MSL datum. MSL based on EGM2008 is 0.18 M lower than MSL based on EGM96 at OMDB and MSL based on EGM2008 is 0.98 M lower than MSL based on EGM96 at OMDW. EGM2008 contains high resolution gravity field data and provides more accuracy than EGM96 model.
2.1.4.3 EGM96 is the Geoid Model used at OMAA, OMAD, OMAL, OMBY, OMDL, OMFJ, OMRK & OMSJ Airports.
2.1.5 Aircraft nationality and registration marks
2.1.5.1 The nationality mark for aircraft registered in United Arab Emirates is A6 (ALPHA SIX)
2.1.6 Public Holidays
2.1.6.1 Public holidays for religious events are based upon the Hijri Calendar which does not correspond with the Gregorian Calendar commonly used in aviation. The start of months in the Hijri year is dependent on moon sightings and cannot be accurately predicted in advance. A Hijri year is approximately 10 days shorter than the Gregorian year.
2.1.6.2 The following is a list of national public holidays for the year with dates corresponding with the Gregorian Calendar. The dates of religious holidays are marked with an asterisk. These dates are based on the lunar calendar and may vary by 1 or 2 days from the dates indicated. These holidays move forward by approximately 10 days per year.
| Public Holidays in UAE (2026) |
|---|
| Date | Name of Holiday | Duration (Days) |
|---|
| JAN 01 | New Year Day | 1 |
| MAR 20 - 22 | Eid Al - Fitr * | 3 |
| MAY 26 - 29 | Eid Al - Adha * | 4 |
| JUN 16 | Hijri New Year Day * | 1 |
| AUG 25 | Prophet Mohammed's Birthday * | 1 |
| DEC 02 - 03 | National Day | 2 |