Eid Al Fitr holiday announced for UAE public sector

The first day of the holiday will begin on Thursday 14 June, and will last until Shawwal 3

People greet each other after Eid prayers at the Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah in 2016. Satish Kumar / The National

UPDATE: Eid Al Fitr 2018 holiday announced for UAE private sector

The Eid Al Fitr holiday has been announced for the UAE public sector.

The first day of the holiday will begin on Thursday, June 14, and will last until Shawwal 3, the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources announced.

Depending on when Eid begins, Shawwal 3 will either coincide with Sunday, June 17 or Monday, June 18.

If Eid falls on Friday (making Ramadan 29 days), government ministries and departments will be closed until Sunday, with work resuming on Monday. Should it fall on Saturday (making Ramadan 30 days), they will remain closed until Monday, with work resuming on Tuesday. However, the official start of Eid Al Fitr is subject to the moon sighting.

Private sector holidays have also been announced.

Eid Al Fitr holidays usually last three days for the public sector and two days for the private sector.

Should Eid fall on a Friday, the private sector may not be given any extra days off but the final decision will be made by the UAE Government.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources conveyed greetings to the President Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the rulers of the Emirates.

Eid Al Fitr marks one of two holy feasts celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The first day of Eid Al Fitr — which translates in Arabic to the feast of breaking the fast — coincides with the first day of the lunar calendar month of Shawwal.

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Celebrations begin with Eid prayers at fajr — or dawn. The prayers are always performed in a group and involve particular rituals and a sermon unique to other prayers practised by Muslims.

Muslims are advised to follow the tradition of Prophet Mohammed and bathe before Eid prayers, wearing perfume and new clothes. Muslims see the prayers as a chance to exchange Eid greetings and meet neighbours, family and friends.

Muslims then celebrate Eid Al Fitr for three days by visiting families and loved ones. More recently, it has also become common practice to use the Eid holiday to travel or carry out extra-curricular activities.

For more information on UAE's public holidays visit our UAE public holidays 2018 page.