Employees in the UAE can enjoy an extended weekend after it was confirmed that Eid Al Fitr will begin on Sunday.
The country's Moon-sighting committee – a group of astronomers, court officials and advisers from the Emirates' Islamic authority – gathered on Saturday night to try to see the new crescent moon heralding the start of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
The sighting was confirmed, meaning that Eid will begin on Sunday, March 30, marking the end of Ramadan. The UAE government said public sector staff would be given paid leave for the first three days of Shawwal.
Private sector workers will also enjoy a long weekend in celebration, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced. The ministry confirmed employees will be given paid leave from Sunday, March 30, until Tuesday, April 1, for the festival.
Federal government and private sector workers are typically given the same number of public holidays each year.
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.
Muslims around the world prepare for Eid
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Shopping in preparation for Eid Al Fitr in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Friday March 28. Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on March 30 or March 31, depending on the lunar calendar. EPA -
Palestinians buy clothes in a shop next to a heavily damaged apartment block in preparation for Eid Al Fitr celebrations in Al Rimal neighbourhood in the centre of Gaza city on March 28. AP Photo -
Motorcyclists wait to board the ferry at Ciwandan Port in Cilegon, Banten, on March 28, 2025, as Indonesians travel to their hometowns for Eid Al Fitr celebrations. AFP -
In Tulkarem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a child holds on to balloons tied with ribbons as preparations for the Eid Al Fitr holiday continue. AFP -
Free buses are laid on by the Indonesian government to take people to their home towns from Surabaya in time for Eid Al Fitr. AFP -
Palestinians buy presents in preparation for Eid Al Fitr celebrations in Al Rimal neighbourhood in the centre of Gaza city on Friday, March 28. AP Photo -
Travellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, wait aboard ships to sail for their villages for Eid Al Fitr from Sadarghat Launch Terminal. EPA -
A confectioner displays pastries ahead of the Eid al Fitr celebrations in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. EPA -
A trader in the Gambia chooses merchandise from a fabric store as prepares for Eid Al Fitr shoppers. AFP
