As the crescent Moon marks the commencement of Ramadan in the UAE, residents are gearing up for what could potentially be the longest public holiday of the year. Eid Al Fitr, the festival celebrated after the conclusion of Ramadan, promises a substantial break for both public and private sector employees.
According to Islamic tradition, Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, contingent upon the sighting of the Moon. With Ramadan officially beginning on March 11, anticipation mounts as residents await the announcement of Eid Al Fitr’s date, which falls on the first day of Shawwal.
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The UAE government has announced public holidays extending from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 to commemorate Eid Al Fitr. Depending on the duration of Ramadan, residents can expect an extended break from either April 8 to April 12 or April 8 to April 11.
If Ramadan extends to 30 days, the Eid break spans from Monday, April 8 (Ramadan 29), to Friday, April 12 (Shawwal 3). Including the preceding and succeeding weekend, this totals to nine days off, from Saturday, April 6, to Sunday, April 14.
Alternatively, should Ramadan last 29 days, the Eid break shortens to six days, encompassing Monday, April 8 (Ramadan 29), to Thursday, April 11. Factoring in the weekend before the break, the total downtime remains six days, from Saturday, April 6, to Thursday, April 11.
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The impending Eid Al Fitr break follows the New Year holiday on January 1 and precedes other significant public holidays throughout the year, including Eid Al Adha in June, Islamic New Year in July, Prophet Muhammad’s birthday in September, and UAE National Day in December.
As residents eagerly anticipate the festivities of Eid Al Fitr, preparations are underway for a joyous celebration, marking a time of spiritual reflection, community, and togetherness in the UAE.
