Now Ramadan has started, when is Eid Al Fitr?

Muslims pray at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National

The UAE will most likely celebrate the end of a month of fasting on the weekend of June 15.

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.

The official date is subject to the moon sighting. Official committees from every Islamic country will begin searching for a glimpse of the new crescent moon on the eve of the 30th day of Ramadan.

If they spot the new moon, then Ramadan will end at 29 days and the following morning will be announced as the first day of Shawwal – Eid.

If the crescent cannot be seen, then the following day remains Ramadan and Eid will, by default, begin the day after that.

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.

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Read more on Ramadan 2018:

Ramadan FAQs: all you need to know about the holy month in the UAE

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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 extracurricular activities.

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

Since Eid is likely to fall on Friday or Saturday, the private sector may not be given any extra days off. The final decision will be made by the UAE Government closer to the time.