Dubai: UAE residents can look forward to an extended holiday of up to five days to mark Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan. The break will provide the first long holiday of 2025, depending on the official sighting of the crescent Moon.
According to astronomical calculations, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Monday, March 31, with Ramadan likely to last for 30 days. This scenario would grant residents a five-day holiday, inclusive of the Saturday weekend preceding it.
However, the final dates will be confirmed after the UAE’s official moon-sighting committee convenes on the 29th day of Ramadan, which falls on Saturday, March 29.
Moon-Sighting and Holiday Scenarios
Eid Al Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic Hijri calendar. The duration of Ramadan varies each year, as Islamic months are based on lunar cycles, lasting either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent Moon.
If the Moon is spotted on March 29, Ramadan will conclude in 29 days, and the public holiday will extend from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, totaling a four-day break when combined with the Saturday weekend.
If the Moon is not visible that evening, Ramadan will last for 30 days, and Eid Al Fitr will begin on Monday, March 31.
In this case, the UAE government has declared the 30th day of Ramadan as a public holiday, in addition to the usual three-day Eid holiday. This would mean an extended break from Sunday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 2, giving residents a total of five days off.
Astronomical predictions by the Dubai Astronomy Group suggest that Ramadan is likely to last 30 days, making the five-day holiday scenario more probable.
Moon-Sighting Tradition Encouraged
The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will officially confirm the holiday dates based on observations made on March 29. Residents have been encouraged to take part in the traditional practice of Moon sighting by looking towards the western horizon after sunset.
Using telescopes or binoculars can enhance visibility, and any sightings should be reported to local authorities or the moon-sighting committee.
“The Eid crescent Moon is expected to be visible in the UAE on the evening of March 30, with Eid Al Fitr likely commencing on March 31,” the Dubai Astronomy Group stated.
Eid Celebrations and Fireworks Expected
Eid Al Fitr is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marked by communal prayers, festive gatherings, and charity.
Cities across the UAE are expected to host grand celebrations, with dazzling firework displays and various cultural activities planned for residents and visitors.
A major highlight will be the spectacular fireworks show at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi on December 31, 2023, which will serve as a prelude to the upcoming festive season.
The official Eid holiday announcement will be made on March 29 following the moon-sighting confirmation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members