Eid Al Fitr 2025 holiday in UAE: 5-day break expected as likely dates revealed

UAE residents will get up to five days off to celebrate the Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr, marking the first long holiday of 2025. Depending on when the Moon is sighted, the break will last either four or five days including the weekend.  

As per astronomical calculations of the Eid date, a five-day holiday is likely.

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Eid Al Fitr is celebrated on the first of Shawwal — the Islamic calendar month that falls after Ramadan — and the festival marks the end of the fasting month. Islamic Hijri months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent Moon is sighted.    

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The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will convene on Ramadan 29 (Saturday, March 29) to search the skies for the crescent. If spotted, the holy month ends at 29 days and the Eid break is from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1. When combined with the Saturday weekend which precedes the holiday, that’s a four-day break.  

If the Moon is not spotted on March 29, the holy month of Ramadan will last 30 days. This year, the 30th of Ramadan has been declared a holiday as well in addition to three days for Eid. That means the break is from Sunday, March 30 (Ramadan 30), till Wednesday, April 2. When combined with the Saturday weekend that precedes the holiday, that’s a five-day break.  

Here is the good news: According to astronomical calculations by the Dubai Astronomy Group, the holy month is likely to complete 30 days. This means Eid Al Fitr is expected to give residents five days off.  

The actual dates of the holiday will be announced on March 29 when the moon-sighting committee convenes.  

The Dubai Astronomy Group has encouraged residents to participate in the traditional practice of Moon sighting. To do so, all they need to do is “look towards the western horizon to attempt to sight the new crescent Moon” after sunset. Residents can use telescopes or binoculars to enhance their search.

“If you sight 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 Eid Al Fitr likely commencing on March 31.” 

Sahim Salim

Staff Writer

• 

sahim@khaleejtimes.com

As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does — and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.