UAE likely to enjoy 5-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday

UAE residents are set to enjoy up to five days off to celebrate the Islamic festival of Eidul Fitr, marking the first long holiday of 2025. Depending on the moon sighting, the break will last either four or five days, including the weekend.

According to astronomical calculations, a five-day holiday is most likely. Eidul Fitr, celebrated on the first of Shawwal (the Islamic month following Ramadan), marks the end of the fasting month. Islamic Hijri months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted.

The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will meet on March 29 (Saturday, Ramadan 29) to observe the skies for the crescent moon. If the moon is sighted, the holy month will end on 29 days, and the Eid break will run from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1. This, combined with the preceding Saturday weekend, gives residents a four-day holiday.

However, if the moon is not spotted on March 29, Ramadan will last a full 30 days. In this case, the 30th of Ramadan (March 30) has been declared a holiday, along with the three days for Eid. This would give residents a five-day break, from Sunday, March 30 (Ramadan 30), to Wednesday, April 2, along with the Saturday weekend before the holiday.

Based on calculations by the Dubai Astronomy Group, the holy month is likely to complete 30 days, meaning residents can expect a five-day Eid break. The actual dates of the holiday will be officially announced on March 29, after the moon-sighting committee convenes.

The Dubai Astronomy Group has encouraged residents to participate in the traditional moon sighting. To do so, they simply need to “look towards the western horizon to attempt to sight the new crescent moon” after sunset. Telescopes or binoculars can be used to enhance the view.

“If you spot the crescent, report your observation to the local authorities or the official moon-sighting committee,” the group said. “The Eid crescent moon is expected to be visible in the UAE on the evening of March 30, with Eidul Fitr likely to commence on March 31.”