UAE residents are gearing up for a potential extended holiday as Eid Al Fitr approaches, offering up to nine days of leisure time in April.
The festive occasion, which follows the conclusion of Ramadan, holds the promise of a significant break for both public and private sector employees in the country.
In a deviation from astronomical calculations, the sighting of the crescent Moon in the UAE on March 10 officially marked the beginning of Ramadan, with March 11 being recognized as the first day of the holy month.
The duration of Ramadan, either 29 or 30 days, will determine the timing of Eid Al Fitr, celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the subsequent month. As per the UAE government's holiday schedule, residents can anticipate a break from Ramadan 29 until Shawwal 3 to commemorate Eid Al Fitr. Should Ramadan span 30 days, Eid will fall on April 10, granting a nine-day holiday from April 8 to April 12, including weekend days.
Alternatively, if Ramadan concludes after 29 days, residents will still enjoy a six-day break, from April 8 to April 11, encompassing a weekend. This holiday period marks the second public holiday of the year in the UAE, following New Year's Day on January 1.
Looking ahead, residents can anticipate additional breaks throughout the year, including Eid Al Adha in June, Islamic New Year in July, Prophet Muhammad's birthday in September, and UAE National Day on December 2 and 3.
