Ramadan is a time of spiritual cleansing, charity, peace, and celebration with family and friends. While the festival is a big deal in India, it is an even greater celebration in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The country has a significant chunk of its population following Islam, and being a Muslim majority country, Ramadan is widely celebrated here. So, here’s us telling you about important Ramadan holidays in UAE that you should know about!
Ramadan Holidays In UAE
Ramadan Traditions In Uae
The holy month of Ramadan is celebrated across the world by followers of Islam. UAE is also known for its vibrant Ramadan celebrations, with its people observing fasts and participating in delightful feasts known as Iftaar. As per the moon sightings in UAE, Ramadan began from the evening of 28th February, 2025. Continuing for a month, it will end on 30th March, 2025.
Following a month of fasting, spiritual cleansing, and abstaining from all kinds of vices, Ramadan will end with the Eid Al Fitr. Eid Al Fitr comes after the end of the Hijri month of Ramadan, and the month of Shawwal begins. As the Hijri calendar is determined by moon sightings, only predictions about the exact date of Eid Al Fitr can be made as of now.
Eid Al Fitr Break In The UAE
The Eid Al Fitr is the first big and official public holiday break in the UAE. The government of UAE has confirmed that this year, they’ll be having at least three days off for Eid Al Fitr, with an additional fourth day off if Ramadan is a 30-day month. The moon sighting committee of UAE decides many public holidays in the country, particularly those associated with Islamic festivals.
If Ramadan is of 29 days, then the Eid Al Fitr break would begin on Sunday, 30th March. That would mean 30th March, 31st March, and 1st April, 2025 would be public holidays. Counting the Saturday of 29th March, people in the UAE would have a four-day weekend to celebrate with their family and friends.
If Ramadan is of 30 days, then the Eid Al Fitr break would begin on Monday, 31st March. This would mean that the official Eid Al Fitr break would stretch from 31st March to 2nd April, 2025. Combine it with the two days of the weekend, and people in the UAE would have five whole days of official break! Now, that is what we too crave for!
Therefore, Ramadan holidays in UAE can end up being either a four-day or a five-day official break! As the days come closer, there will be official confirmation of these dates based on moon sightings.
The UAE government also clarified that some public holidays will be carried over if they fall on a weekend, however, that change in the law does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha.
Eid Al Fitr Celebrations In UAE
The festival is one of the most celebrated not just in UAE, but also across the world. A significant tradition of the festival begins with the sighting of the moon. Many people wait in anticipation to spot the moon – a holy symbol in Islam.
As the new moon is sighted, Muslims begin the chanting of the Takbir. These are melodious recitations glorifying the Almighty and are recited until the start of the Eid prayer the next morning.
People dress up in bright clothes and visit the places of their relatives and friends to exchange Eid greetings. Adults also gift young children with Eidi, cash as a form of gift and this is an integral part of Ramadan festivities. Many people also voluntarily donate to many charities and buy food and clothes for the less fortunate. This is known as Zakat Eid Al Fitr. It is considered to be noble to do so during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.
Families gather and visit mosques, followed by scrumptious feasts by inviting over relatives and friends. A variety of traditional foods, drinks, and desserts are made to celebrate the festival with great joy.
Summing Up
Ramadan holidays in UAE are majorly determined by the moon sighting committee and the UAE government. This year it is likely that citizens will avail a four- or five-day official off for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr celebrations. The month of Ramadan has already started and it will be crucial to note the official day offs as they get confirmed soon. And don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated!
FAQs
Is Eid Al Fitr A Holiday In Dubai?
Yes, Eid Al Fitr is a holiday in Dubai. In fact, it is one of the most important celebrations in the UAE.
How Many Days Is Eid Holiday In The UAE?
Depending on the number of days in the month of Ramadan, based on moon sightings, UAE may have a four-day Eid holiday or a five-day holiday. Note that this also counts the weekend.
Is Eid A National Holiday In India?
Yes, Eid Al Fitr is a public holiday in India.
