The UAE has confirmed that Eid Al-Fitr holidays 2025 will begin on Sunday, March 30, following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening. The announcement by the UAE’s Moon-sighting committee marks the end of Ramadan on March 29.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed Sunday, March 30, as Eid, with a four-day holiday for the private sector.
Eid Al Fitr holidays in UAE – three-day or four-day weekend?
This means that instead of the anticipated five-day weekend, UAE residents will have a four days of Eid Al Fitr holidays, from March 29 until Tuesday, April 1. Public holiday laws in the UAE establish that since Ramadan 2025 is only 29 days long, the following three days are a public holiday.
Both the public sector and private sector will have two additional days of holidays combined with the weekend.
Eid Al Fitr free parking in Dubai and public transport timings
During this four-day long weekend Dubai residents will enjoy free parking across the city, RTA has confirmed.
The RTA also announced that the Dubai Metro will run for an hour longer. These are the timings:
Saturday, March 29: 5am – 1am
Sunday, March 30: 8am – 1am
Monday, March 31: 5am-1am
Tuesday April 1: 5am – 1am
What is Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr is a major Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is one of the most important celebrations in Islam and is Arabic for “the festival of breaking the fast.”
Eid Al Fitr falls annually on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Muslims worldwide gather to offer special prayers (Salat al-Eid), share festive meals, wear new clothes, and visit family and friends.
Eid Al Fitr dates in other countries
Other Gulf nations, including Kuwait and Qatar, have followed suit and celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Sunday, March 30. Meanwhile, South Asian countries like India and Pakistan may observe Eid on March 31 due to local moon-sighting.