UAE residents can look forward to a long holiday as the country gears up to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the first extended break of 2025. Depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, the holiday could span four or five days, including the weekend.
Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan and falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. Since the lunar months vary between 29 and 30 days, the duration of the holiday depends on when the new moon is sighted.
The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will meet on Saturday, March 29, to confirm the end of Ramadan. If the crescent moon is spotted, the month will conclude at 29 days, granting residents a four-day holiday from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, combined with the preceding Saturday weekend.
However, if the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will extend to 30 days, resulting in a five-day break from Sunday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 2. Astronomical predictions suggest that this is the more likely scenario.
The official announcement of the holiday will be made on March 29. Meanwhile, the Dubai Astronomy Group has invited residents to take part in the traditional moon sighting, using telescopes or binoculars to spot the crescent moon in the western sky after sunset.
If the predictions hold, UAE residents can expect a well-deserved five-day break to celebrate the occasion.
