It’s going to XXL weekend…

Because the Islamic Calendar is based on moon phase cycles – contrary to the solar orbit-based, 365.25 day year of the Gregorian calendar (notice the .25 at the end? That’s why we have leap years) – the two calendars are unsynchronised and so the dates will change relative to one another with each passing year. For example, Eid al Fitr started on April 21 in 2023, and in 2024 it began on April 10.

What are the dates for Eid Al Fitr in the UAE?

And because there is a convention in the UAE for certain culturally important dates to have their commencement verified by a physical sighting of the moon – there is a small question mark over their corresponding start date in the Gregorian calendar.

Ramadan began on Saturday March 1, and will last either 29 or 30 days, a duration that is uniquely dictated by the moon phase.

In UAE Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 it states that “in the event the Month of Ramadan completes (30) days, day (30) of Ramadan shall be deemed as an official holiday added to the Eid-Al-Fitr holiday.”

The same Resolution also outlines public and private holidays with “a three-day holiday for Eid Al Fitr from Shawwal 1-3 (moon sighting dependent). An extra day may be added if Ramadan completes 30 days.”

What that means in simple terms

So it all comes down to when the crescent moon of the month of Shawwal is sighted.

If the moon is spotted on Saturday, March 29, then Eid break will be from Sunday March 30 to Tuesday April 1. If the moon is not spotted on Saturday March 29, then Eid break will be from Sunday March 31 to Wednesday April 2. Meaning we’re either in for a four-day or five-day weekend.

When will Eid Al Fitr be announced in the UAE?

The first announcement is likely to come from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), which will confirm the holiday extent in the Islamic Calendar. That usually comes a week before the actual moon sighting.

When will we know for sure?

The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will convene on Saturday, March 29 (Ramadan 29) to search the skies for the crescent. If spotted, the holy month will end at 29 days and the Eid break will stretch from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1. If it is not spotted, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and the break will extend to Wednesday, April 2.

What is Eid al Fitr?

Eid al Fitr is also known as the ‘Festival of Breaking of the Fast’ and is one of two official holidays celebrated in Islam. It is celebrated by Muslims worldwide and marks the end of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is the foundation of the religion. The pillars are the framework by which Muslims everywhere live, and Ramadan is considered the holiest time in the Islamic calendar. It is a time for prayer, reflection and religious devotion, to cleanse past sins and to focus on Allah through good deeds.

You can learn more about Ramadan here.