Public sector workers will have a full week's holiday to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah this weekend confirmed the break, which follows the federal HR authority's decision on Thursday.
Employees will have a nine-day break including weekends from Saturday, April 30, until Sunday, May 8, with work resuming on Monday, May 9. The remaining three emirates are expected to confirm the same dates.
But private sector employees will enjoy a holiday from Ramadan 29 — Saturday, April 30 — until Shawwal 3 — either Tuesday, May 3, or Wednesday, May 4, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the month of fasting, which is typically marked with special nightly congregational prayers such as taraweeh and tahajjud, and increased acts of charity.
When is Eid Al Fitr 2022 in the UAE?
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Head chef Ajandha inspects the Egg Explosion Blondies. SugarMoo, in Al Quoz, Dubai, creates cakes and other desserts during a busy weekend, in which Easter coincides with Ramadan. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
SugarMoo head chef Ajandha decorates nests of Rice Krispies with chocolate eggs. The cream topping is flavoured with either rose or mango. -
Chocolate and red velvet Easter truffles. -
Chef de partie Gayan takes cake out of the oven. -
Pistachio cakes are topped with orange-blossom jam. -
Head chef Ajandha prepares kunafa cheesecake. -
Letters are cut out of fondant. -
Yellow fondant stars. -
Chef Ajandha prepares Umm Ali. -
Mango cream is piped on to nests made of Rice Krispies. -
Kunafa cheesecake fuses Arabic and European traditions. -
Red velvet spring 'cakesicles' with an Easter bunny theme. -
Halwa and pistachio chewy melts and pistachio and Nutella maamoul on display. -
More red velvet spring cakesicles, this time resembling chicks. -
Sea-themed decorations are made for a cake. -
Icing is garnished with Mini Eggs. -
Easter truffles are available in chocolate and red velvet varieties and come in pastel colours.
Considered the festival of ending the fast, the celebration immediately follows Ramadan.
The holy month lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is sighted, as the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
The Emirates Astronomical Society has forecast that the last day of Ramadan will be on Monday, May 2, making the month 30 days.
