The United Arab Emirates will celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Sunday, March 30, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Authorities confirmed the start of the Islamic festival after the Shawwal crescent was officially sighted on Saturday evening.
The crescent sighting signals the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal 1, the first day of Eid Al Fitr. As a result, UAE residents will enjoy a four-day public holiday, aligning with the country’s official holiday calendar.
According to the government, the Eid Al Fitr break will span from Sunday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 2, covering Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3. In a special announcement, Sunday, March 30 (Ramadan 30) has also been declared a paid holiday, giving both public and private sector employees an extended weekend—the first long break of the year 2025.
Earlier, the UAE’s Fatwa Council had urged citizens and residents to observe the Shawwal crescent on the evening of Saturday, March 29, the 29th day of Ramadan.
The announcement has sparked celebration and preparation across the Emirates as families and communities gear up for prayers, festive meals and cultural traditions associated with Eid Al Fitr. Malls, parks and entertainment venues are also expected to see a surge in visitors over the holiday period.
Following successful moon sightings across the region, most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — except Oman — have also confirmed Sunday as the first day of Eid.