Residents in the UAE could enjoy up to five days of holidays to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr 2025, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. If astronomical calculations hold true, UAE nationals and residents are expected to benefit from a long Eid break, combining regular weekend days with the official holiday period.
Expected Eid Al-Fitr Holidays in the UAE
Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. Islamic months (Hijri calendar) are based on the lunar cycle, which means they can last 29 or 30 days depending on the moon sighting.
According to astronomical calculations, the UAE’s Eid Al-Fitr holidays are expected to begin from Sunday, March 30 (corresponding to Ramadan 30) and will continue until Tuesday, April 1. Since the official holiday will include the regular weekend (Saturday), this will result in a four-day holiday.
If the Shawwal moon is not sighted on March 29, Ramadan will extend to 30 days. In that case, an additional holiday would be added on Wednesday, April 2, making it a five-day break.
Expected Holiday Schedule in the UAE:
- March 29, Saturday – Weekend
- March 30, Sunday – Ramadan 30 (holiday)
- March 31, Monday – Eid Al-Fitr holiday
- April 1, Tuesday – Eid Al-Fitr holiday
- April 2, Wednesday – Eid Al-Fitr holiday (if Ramadan lasts 30 days)
If Ramadan completes 30 days, UAE residents will enjoy a total of five days off.
Eid Al-Fitr Holidays in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has also announced its official Eid Al-Fitr holidays. According to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Eid holidays in Saudi Arabia will begin on Saturday, March 29 (Ramadan 29) and will continue until Wednesday, April 2.
However, since Thursday, April 3 is expected to be the beginning of the regular weekend in Saudi Arabia, the total break could extend to eight days for many residents, combining both the official holiday and the weekend.
Expected Holiday Schedule in Saudi Arabia:
- March 29, Saturday – Ramadan 29 (holiday)
- March 30, Sunday – Ramadan 30 (holiday)
- March 31, Monday – Eid Al-Fitr holiday
- April 1, Tuesday – Eid Al-Fitr holiday
- April 2, Wednesday – Eid Al-Fitr holiday
- April 3, Thursday – Weekend
- April 4, Friday – Weekend
- April 5, Saturday – Weekend
If this schedule is confirmed, Saudi Arabia residents could enjoy an eight-day break in total.
Longest Break in Years
Astronomical experts from the Dubai Astronomy Department predict that Ramadan 2025 is likely to last 30 days, which increases the chances of a five-day break in the UAE and an eight-day break in Saudi Arabia. This could make it one of the longest Eid Al-Fitr breaks in recent years, giving residents ample time to celebrate with family and friends.
