The UAE has officially announced the dates for the Eid Al Fitr holiday for government sector employees.
This year, the holiday will be observed for three days, starting on Shawwal 1 and ending on Shawwal 3, 1446 AH. Official work will resume on Shawwal 4.
Holiday dates depending on moon sighting
The exact dates of Eid Al Fitr depend on the sighting of the crescent moon. The UAE will conduct the moon sighting on March 29 to determine when Eid will be celebrated. If the moon is spotted on March 29, the first day of Eid will fall on Sunday, March 30.
If the crescent moon is visible on March 29, the UAE will have a four-day holiday from March 29 to April 1, as the holiday will include the weekend. Government employees will have three days off, and since Saturday is a regular weekend, it will extend the break to four days.
Long weekend if Ramadan lasts 30 days
If the moon is not seen on March 29, and Ramadan lasts the full 30 days, Eid will begin on Monday, March 31. In this case, government employees will enjoy a three-day holiday from March 31 to April 2, resulting in a five-day long weekend from March 29 to April 2.
In the event that Ramadan lasts 30 days, Sunday, March 30 will be an official holiday, added to the Eid Al Fitr break. This will give residents even more time to celebrate with family and friends.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
