Extended Eid Al Fitr holiday predicted as UAE astronomy centre forecasts longer Ramadan

Abu Dhabi's International Astronomical Centre says holy month will last for 30 days this year

Young children take part in Eid Al Fitr prayers in Dubai in 2023. EPA

Employees in the UAE are set for an extended public holiday after an Abu Dhabi astronomy centre predicted Eid Al Fitr will begin on Monday, March 31.

The festival falls on the first day of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan and marks the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. As the holy month lasts for either 29 or 30 days – with its duration dependent on the phases of the moon – the start of Eid will not be determined until the moon-sighting committee gathers next weekend.

The start of an Islamic month is heralded by the sighting of the crescent moon. The International Astronomical Centre said on social media that Muslims will convene next Saturday to attempt to observe it in the skies.

If it is spotted, Eid Al Fitr will begin the following day on Sunday, March 30. The centre, however, does not expect the moon to be visible, meaning Sunday would be the 30th and final day of Ramadan, with Eid beginning on Monday, March 31.

How does this affect public holidays?

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation this week said the Eid break would run from Sunday, March 30, until Tuesday, April 1, if Ramadan lasts for 29 days.

The ministry confirmed the public holiday would be held from Sunday, March 30, until Wednesday, April 2, if the duration of Ramadan is 30 days.

For staff not working over the weekend, this would mean a three-day holiday as opposed to a two-day break if Eid commences on Monday, March 31.

Most public sector workers will also benefit from a 30-day Ramadan. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said employees would be granted paid leave for the first three days of Shawwal.

If Ramadan is 29 days, the first three days of Shawwal would correspond to Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 2. If as expected Ramadan is 30 days, the first three days of Shawwal will be Monday, March 31, to Wednesday, April 2, giving workers an additional day off.

What is Eid Al Fitr?

Omani livestock merchants wait for customers at a traditional pre-Eid market in the Sarur area of Al Dakhiliyah Region. AFP

An Egyptian woman prepares bread on the outskirts of Cairo in the run-up to Eid Al Fitr EPA

An Indonesian family prepare for their journey home for Eid Al Fitr in Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali EPA

An Afghan shopkeeper arranges his traditional clothing wares in the capital Kabul. EPA

People check out footwear at a market in Islamabad. AFP

Passengers travelling home for Eid wait to board their buses at a bus station in Banda Aceh. AFP

Tailoring shops in Dubai's Satwa neighbourhood come to life ahead of Eid. Antonie Robertson / The National

Customers select ornaments at a jewellery shop in Karachi. AFP

A market in Karachi teeming with Eid customers. EPA

An embroiderer in Pakistan's northern city of Peshawar. EPA

Children show Eid handouts they received from the Dua Foundation charity in Pakistan's Tharpark district. EPA

A train filled with people returning home for the Eid holiday in Jakarta. Reuters

Indonesian porters jostle with each other to board a passenger ship in Surabaya. AFP

A tailor specialising in women's wear at his shop in Bur Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Eid Al Fitr marks one of two holy feasts celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Celebrations begin with Eid prayers, shortly after the dawn fajr prayer.

The Eid prayer is followed by a sermon and a big part of the ritual is greeting others who have gathered to pray and wishing them “Eid Mubarak”.

The prayers are seen as a chance to exchange Eid greetings and meet neighbours, family and friends.