Eid al-Fitr 2025 Expected Dates and Holiday Announcements in the Gulf Region
Eid al-Fitr 2025 is expected to commence on March 30, 2025, according to Qatar Calendar House. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have announced their public holidays for the occasion, while Kuwait’s holidays depend on the moon sighting. The final confirmation of Eid will be made based on lunar observations.
The Qatar Calendar House has announced that the first day of Eid al-Fitr will likely occur on March 30, 2025. This announcement is based on astronomical calculations performed by specialists at the institution. Executive Director Faisal Al Ansari indicated that the crescent moon for Shawwal will appear on the evening of March 29 at 1:58 PM Doha local time, thus beginning the 10th lunar month.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has declared a paid holiday for private sector employees from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in observance of Eid al-Fitr. If Ramadan lasts for 30 days, the holiday will be extended to Wednesday, April 2. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources also stated that the federal sector will enjoy a holiday from the 1st to the 3rd of Shawwal, with work resuming on the 4th, extending the holiday if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
Saudi Arabia has instituted a four-day holiday for both private and non-profit sectors, running from March 30 to April 2, with employees returning to work on April 3. This decision provides private sector employees with a total of six days off, including the weekend.
Kuwait’s public sector will suspend work for three days if Eid al-Fitr begins on March 30, resuming on April 2. Should Eid start on March 31, work will cease from March 30 until April 5, leading to a nine-day break when weekend days are included.
The official date for Eid al-Fitr 2025 is yet to be confirmed, primarily hinging on the sighting of the moon. The Islamic calendar, based on lunar cycles, requires moon sightings to ascertain the conclusion of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid. Official announcements regarding the holiday will be made shortly before Ramadan concludes. In the UAE, if Ramadan concludes on the 30th day, the 30th day of Ramadan will also become a public holiday, thereby extending Eid celebrations. Residents could potentially enjoy a four or five-day holiday, depending on the lunar observation.
In summary, the projected start date for Eid al-Fitr 2025 in Qatar is March 30, confirmed by calculations from the Qatar Calendar House. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have announced their holiday plans, with variations based on the lunar sighting. The official dates for Eid will be declared shortly, contingent on the moon’s visibility, with the potential for extended holidays if Ramadan lasts for the full 30 days.
Original Source: economymiddleeast.com
