UAE residents enjoying Ramadan could be set for a nine-day Eid Al Fitr holiday at the end of the Holy month.
Ramadan started on Monday, March 11 after the crescent moon was sighted in the country.
All months in the Islamic calendar have either 29 or 30 days, as dictated by moon sightings.
UAE Eid Al Fitr 2024 dates
With Ramadan starting on March 11, it means Eid Al Fitr will begin on the first of Shawwal, corresponding to either April 9 or April 10, depending on whether Ramadan is 29 or 30 days.
The UAE has previously announced official public holiday dates for 2024, following a Cabinet ruling.
Remaining holidays announced in the UAE for 2024 include:
- Eid Al Fitr 2024: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3
- Arafat Day: Dhu Al Hijjah 9
- Eid Al Adha 2024: Dhu Al Hijjah 10 to 12
- Islamic New Year: Muharram 1
- Prophet’s Birthday: Rabi’ Al-Awwal 12
- United Arab Emirates National Day: December 2 and 3
With the Eid Al Fitr holiday lasting from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, these are the two possible scenarios in the UAE:
- A 30-day Ramadan means a nine-day holiday: The Eid break will begin on Monday, April 8 (Ramadan 29) and last until Friday April 12 (Shawwal 3). This is a five-day public holiday and with Saturday-Sunday weekends on April 6-7 and April 13-14 there will be nine consecutive days off
- A 29-day Ramadan means a six-day holiday: Should the crescent moon be spotted after 29 days, the Eid Al Fitr break will begin on Monday, April 8 (Ramadan 29) and last until Thursday, April 11 (Shawwal 3). Including the Saturday-Sunday weekend on April 6-7 there will be six consecutive days off. In this scenario, using one day of annual leave, booked for Friday, April 12, will give a nine-day holiday
This information is for guidance only, official holiday start dates and timings for Eid Al Fitr 2024 in the UAE will be announced following the sighting of the crescent moon.