UAE Residents to Enjoy Up to 5 Days Off for Eid Al Fitr 2025
Public holiday to mark the end of Ramadan, official dates to be confirmed on March 29
Residents in the UAE are set for the first long weekend of 2025 as the country prepares to celebrate Eid Al Fitr. Depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, the holiday will last either four or five days, giving many an extended break.
Moon Sighting to Determine Holiday Dates
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. Since Islamic months last 29 or 30 days based on moon sightings, the exact holiday period depends on when the crescent is spotted.
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The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will gather on Saturday, March 29 (Ramadan 29), to determine the end of Ramadan. If the crescent is visible, Ramadan will conclude at 29 days, and the Eid holiday will run from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1—creating a four-day break when combined with the preceding Saturday weekend.
If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will extend to 30 days, making Wednesday, April 2, a public holiday. This scenario would result in a five-day break from Saturday, March 29, to Wednesday, April 2.
Five-Day Break Expected
According to astronomical predictions by the Dubai Astronomy Group, Ramadan is likely to complete 30 days, meaning residents can expect a five-day holiday. However, official confirmation will come after the moon-sighting on March 29.
Residents Encouraged to Participate in Moon Sighting
The Dubai Astronomy Group has invited residents to take part in the traditional practice of moon sighting. People can observe the crescent by looking towards the western horizon after sunset on March 30 using the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes.
If the crescent is seen, residents are encouraged to report their sighting to local authorities or the moon-sighting committee. Current forecasts suggest the Eid crescent will be visible on March 30, with Eid Al Fitr expected to begin on March 31.