Government workers will have a week-long holiday for Eid Al Fitr, authorities announced on Thursday.
The UAE Cabinet ratified a decision on the holiday for federal government workers, which will 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.
Earlier, the UAE announced Eid Al Fitr holiday dates for the private sector.
Workers will have a public holiday from Ramadan 29 – Saturday, April 30 – until Shawwal 3.
Shawwal 3 is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 4, the International Astronomical Centre said, but will be confirmed by the UAE’s Moon-sighting committee.
It will be a paid holiday for all private-sector workers on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
The holy month lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent is sighted by the committee.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
At the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is the holiday that marks the completion of the month-long fasting period.
Practices vary around the world, but commonly include morning prayers, public holidays, visiting family and friends, giving gifts and charity donations.
When is Eid Al Fitr and how is the start determined?
The end of the holy month will be confirmed in the same way as the beginning, by a Moon-sighting committee that is responsible for spotting the new crescent moon.
The duration of the holy month is decided by the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months, totalling either 354 or 355 days.
That means each month can last either 29 or 30 days.
This year, in the UAE, Ramadan is expected to be on the longer side, at 30 days, according to astronomers.
