Dubai: Residents across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to enjoy a long break of up to five days to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, marking the first extended holiday of 2025. The exact duration of the holiday will depend on the official sighting of the crescent Moon, which determines the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Eid Al Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the Islamic month following Ramadan. Since Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days based on lunar sightings, the UAE’s moon-sighting committee will meet on Saturday, March 29 (Ramadan 29), to determine the Eid date.
If the crescent Moon is sighted on March 29, Ramadan will last 29 days, and the holiday will run from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, giving residents a four-day break, including the Saturday weekend. However, if the Moon is not spotted, Ramadan will complete 30 days, extending the break to five days from Sunday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 2.
According to astronomical calculations by the Dubai Astronomy Group, the holy month is expected to last 30 days, making a five-day holiday highly likely for UAE residents.
The official holiday announcement will be announced on March 29, following the moon-sighting committee’s decision. Residents can look forward to a well-deserved break to celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr with family and friends.