The next public holiday is here. Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, began on Monday, May 2.
The moon-sighting committee announced the news on Saturday, April 30, as the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon.
When did Eid Al Fitr 2022 start in the UAE?
Considered the festival of ending the fast, the celebration immediately comes after Ramadan.
The holy month of Ramadan lasts for either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is sighted, as the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
In April, the Emirates Astronomical society had initially forecast that Eid Al Fitr and the first of Shawwal would be on May 2, with the last day of Ramadan falling on May 1.
On Saturday, the moon-sighting committee said it was not possible to see the new crescent moon, which indicates the start of the next Islamic month.
It meant that Ramadan would last for 30 days with Eid Al Fitr falling on Monday, May 2.
How many holidays will people have for Eid Al Fitr 2022?
The end of Ramadan is marked by a holiday for both the public and private sectors, which this year starts on the 30th day of Ramadan and lasts until the third day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Private sector workers will enjoy a public holiday from Ramadan 29 until Shawwal 3 while federal government workers have been given a week-long holiday to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
These dates mean that for workers in the private sector, the Eid holiday will be from Saturday, April 30, until Wednesday, May 4, depending on the start date of Eid.
The decision was made by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
That will give many people a five-day break, with employees returning to work on Thursday.
For federal government workers, the UAE Cabinet ratified a decision for the Eid holiday to run from Saturday, April 30, until Friday, May 6.
The decision covers all ministries and federal agencies in the UAE. Official working hours will resume on Monday, May 9, news agency Wam said.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr is the holiday that marks the completion of Ramadan and the month-long fasting period.
Practices vary around the world but commonly include morning prayers, public holidays, visiting family and friends, new clothing and henna, gifts and charity donations.
