Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced holidays for its public and private sector employees, aligning with the celebration of Eid Al Fitr. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development revealed that most employees would be granted a four-day break starting from Monday, April 8, marking Ramadan 29, 1445. Considering that Friday and Saturday constitute the official weekend in the Kingdom, residents will relish a continuous six-day holiday period. Work operations are expected to resume on April 14, which falls on Sunday.
The ministry emphasized the importance of adherence to the regulations outlined in the second paragraph of Article 24 of the executive regulation of the Labor Law. Employers are therefore mandated to comply with these stipulations during the holiday period to ensure fair treatment and observance of labor laws.
Eid Al Fitr holds immense cultural and religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It marks the culmination of Ramadan, a sacred month observed with fasting from dawn till dusk. Muslims engage in spiritual activities and self-reflection during this period, fostering a sense of community and devotion.
The timing of Ramadan and subsequently Eid Al Fitr is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of either 354 or 355 days annually. As a result, the duration of Ramadan can vary between 29 and 30 days, contingent upon the sighting of the moon. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan.
While Saudi Arabia grants a four-day holiday for Eid Al Fitr, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are privileged with a longer break. As per the holiday schedule released by the UAE government for both public and private sectors, individuals will enjoy an extended hiatus from Ramadan 29 until Shawwal 3, specifically designated for Eid Al Fitr celebrations.
The date of Eid Al Fitr depends on the duration of Ramadan. If the month extends to 30 days, the festival falls on April 10, whereas, with a 29-day duration, it occurs on April 9.