Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can officially look forward to a five-day holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the first extended break of 2025.
The length of the Eid holiday depended on the sighting of the crescent Moon, which determines the start of Shawwal, the Islamic month following Ramadan. The UAE’s Moon-sighting committee was scheduled to convene on Saturday, March 29 (Ramadan 29) to confirm the exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr.
However, astronomical calculations suggested that Ramadan would last 30 days, making a five-day holiday highly likely.
According to the official schedule, the public holiday will run from Sunday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 2. When combined with the preceding weekend (Saturday, March 29), residents will enjoy a five-day break.
If the Moon had been sighted on March 29, the holiday would have lasted four days (March 30 to April 1). However, with Ramadan extending to 30 days, the UAE government confirmed that Wednesday, April 2, would also be a holiday, ensuring a full five-day break.
The Dubai Astronomy Group had earlier predicted that Ramadan would last a full 30 days and encouraged residents to take part in the Moon-sighting tradition. People were invited to observe the crescent Moon on the western horizon after sunset, using binoculars or telescopes to enhance their view.
With the official confirmation of a five-day break, UAE residents now have an extended opportunity to celebrate Eid with family and friends.