UAE announces Eid Al Fitr 2024 to begin on Wednesday

Start date confirmed after crescent Moon signifying end of Ramadan was not visible on Monday

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi as the nation's Muslims prepare for the start of Eid Al Fitr. EPA

Eid Al Fitr will begin on Wednesday in the UAE, authorities have confirmed.

The country's Moon-sighting committee – a group of astronomers, court officials and advisers from the Emirates' Islamic authority – gathered on Monday to attempt to observe the new crescent Moon heralding the start of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

As the Moon could not be sighted, Tuesday will be the 30th and final day of Ramadan this year.

Muslims in the UAE were urged to help spot the crescent Moon on Monday.

What is Eid Al Fitr?

Eid Al Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the month of Shawwal.

It is a celebratory occasion marked by morning prayers, family get-togethers and the giving of gifts, as well as charitable donations.

A public holiday accompanies Eid Al Fitr, with many people taking time off work to travel abroad or take short trips in the region.

How long is the public holiday?

For the public sector, the holiday will last one week. The UAE Cabinet mandated that federal government staff would be given paid leave from Monday, April 8 to Sunday, April 14.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation previously confirmed private sector employees would be given paid leave from the 29th day of Ramadan, Monday, April 8, until the third day of Shawwal.

Given Ramadan will last 30 days, the private sector holiday will extend to Friday, April 12 and work will resume on Monday, April 15.

Worshippers mark final days of Ramadan - in pictures

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  Thousands attended prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, to mark Laylat Al Qadr on Friday. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

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  Laylat Al Qadr — or the night of destiny — is one of the nights during the final 10 days of Ramadan in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed

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  Crowds pray at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

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  Laylat Al Qadr is the highlight of Ramadan for thousands around the globe who flock to mosques.

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  Deemed ‘worth a thousand months’, Laylat Al Qadr is the night the first Quranic verses were revealed.

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  Laylat Al Qadr is also known as the 'night of destiny'.

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  An entire chapter is devoted to the night of destiny in the final part of the Quran.

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  Laylat Al Qadr is a cherished tradition that is marked around the world.

Take a break

Eid will also offer an opportunity to get in the holiday mood, without even leaving the Emirates.

There will be no shortage of staycation deals to choose from for families eager to make the most of additional time off from offices and classrooms.

The National has compiled a luxurious list of some of the best domestic delights to savour.

Those with a sense of adventure can book a stay at the Terra Cabins at JA Hatta Fort Hotel, nestled among the mountains of Hatta.

Scenic views and five-star service will be served up at Banyan Tree Dubai on Bluewaters Island.

Read more on the UAE's top staycation spots in our helpful guide here.