Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are gearing up for a much-anticipated long holiday in 2025, with Eid Al Fitr expected to bring a break of up to five days. This Islamic festival, which marks the end of Ramadan—the holy month of fasting—promises to be the first extended public Eid Al Fitr 2025 holiday of the year. While the exact dates are yet to be confirmed, astronomical projections suggest a five-day celebration, including the weekend, is highly likely.
Eid Al Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan in the Islamic Hijri calendar. Each lunar month lasts either 29 or 30 days, determined by the visibility of the crescent Moon. The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will gather on Saturday, March 29—corresponding to Ramadan 29—to scan the skies. The outcome of this traditional practice will shape the length of the holiday:
- If the Moon is sighted on March 29: Ramadan ends after 29 days, and Eid Al Fitr begins on Sunday, March 30. The official break would span from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1. With Saturday, March 29 (the weekend), included, residents would enjoy a four-day holiday.
- If the Moon is not sighted on March 29: Ramadan extends to 30 days, with the 30th day (Sunday, March 30) declared a public holiday this year. Eid Al Fitr would then start on Monday, March 31, and continue through Wednesday, April 2. Combined with the preceding Saturday weekend, this scenario delivers a five-day break.
The good news? Astronomical calculations from the Dubai Astronomy Group suggest Ramadan 2025 will likely last 30 days, making a five-day Eid holiday the more probable outcome. This extended break, running from Saturday, March 29, to Wednesday, April 2, has UAE residents buzzing with excitement.
While astronomical projections offer a glimpse into the likely dates, the final announcement rests with the UAE’s moon-sighting committee. On March 29, 2025, their sighting—or lack thereof—will determine whether Ramadan concludes after 29 or 30 days. The government will then release the official holiday schedule, giving residents and businesses the green light to finalize their plans.
As March 29 approaches, all eyes will be on the sky—and the moon-sighting committee. Whether it’s four days or five, Eid Al Fitr 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable kickoff to the year’s long weekends. So, mark your calendars, keep your binoculars handy, and get ready to celebrate!
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