Planning for Public Holidays in the UAE: Eid Al Fitr 2025
As we approach the end of another year, it’s essential to keep track of the public holidays to plan your time off effectively. The first significant public holiday in the UAE after the New Year celebrations will be Eid Al Fitr in 2025. An official announcement from the UAE government has confirmed that we can expect at least three official days off for Eid Al Fitr, with the possibility of an additional day if Ramadan lasts for 30 days.
Following an incredible nine-day weekend in 2024, there are high hopes for a similarly extended break next year. Many public holidays in the UAE are determined by the moon-sighting committee, as religious holidays follow the Islamic Hijri calendar. In July, astronomers indicated that the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan is expected to be visible on Friday, February 28, 2025, suggesting that the first day of Ramadan will be Saturday, March 1, 2025. This information allows us to estimate the commencement of the Eid Al Fitr holiday.
How Many Days Off for Eid Al Fitr 2025?
Since the Hijri calendar is based on lunar sightings, the exact dates for our holidays won’t be confirmed until the day before the event. If Ramadan is a 29-day month, the Eid Al Fitr holiday will begin on the first day of Shawwal, which is expected to be Sunday, March 30. In this scenario, we would enjoy Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday as public holidays, resulting in a delightful four-day weekend.
However, if Ramadan extends to 30 days, the festivities will commence on Monday, March 31, leading to a glorious five days off. In 2024, the UAE government announced public holidays from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, which is why we experienced such an extensive holiday. For 2025, the cabinet revealed that the public holiday would begin on Ramadan 30 (if Ramadan lasts for 30 days), which is one day shorter than the previous year. Official dates will be confirmed closer to the events, based on moon sightings corresponding to Islamic calendar dates.
Eid Al Fitr 2025: What to Expect
When the announcement regarding the upcoming public holidays was made, a new resolution was introduced, effective from the start of 2025. This resolution states that if a public holiday falls on a weekend, it can be carried over to a weekday. However, it’s important to note that this resolution does not apply to either Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha. With Ramadan occurring in winter until 2031, the likelihood of the month being 30 days is higher, as weather conditions may affect moon sightings. Notably, 2024 marked the first time Ramadan took place in winter since the turn of the century.
Other Important Eid Holidays in 2025
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
30 May to 2 June 2025 (Tentative)
- Mark your calendars for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, set for late May.
- Arafat Day is anticipated to be on Friday, May 30, seamlessly flowing into Eid Al Adha from Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2.
- This means four expected days to enjoy festive celebrations, unwind, and perhaps book that dream beach resort you’ve had your eye on.
Eid Al Etihad
2 to 3 December 2025
- While not an Eid holiday in the traditional sense, it’s noteworthy due to its new designation.
- Celebrate the end of the year with festive Eid Al Etihad events on December 2 and 3.
- This midweek break offers a perfect opportunity to ease the work grind.
Understanding Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr is one of the two major festivals celebrated by Muslims around the globe. This occasion marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The name translates to “feast of breaking the fast,” and it falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
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