Eid al-Fitr 2025: Expected Dates and Holiday Announcements in Gulf Countries
Eid al-Fitr 2025 is expected to commence on March 30, as calculated by Qatar Calendar House. The UAE has announced holidays for the private sector, while Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have outlined their respective holiday durations for this occasion. Confirmation of the official dates relies on moon sighting due to the lunar cycle governing the Islamic calendar.
The Qatar Calendar House announced that March 30, 2025, is expected to be the first day of Eid al-Fitr, according to astronomical calculations. Executive Director Faisal Al Ansari stated that the crescent moon for Shawwal will be born on the evening of March 29 at 1:58 PM Doha local time. However, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs will confirm the official start date based on moon sighting.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization declared a paid holiday for private sector employees from March 30 to April 1, 2025, for Eid al-Fitr. Should Ramadan conclude at 30 days, the holiday will extend to April 2. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that the federal holiday is from 1st to 3rd Shawwal, with work resuming on April 4.
Saudi Arabia has announced a four-day holiday for both the private and non-profit sectors, scheduled from March 30 to April 2, 2025, with work resuming on April 3. This results in a six-day break for private sector employees, including the preceding weekend.
Kuwait will observe a three-day holiday if Eid falls on March 30, resuming operations on April 2. If Eid is on March 31, the break extends from March 30 to April 5, allowing for a nine-day holiday when combined with weekends.
The official date for Eid al-Fitr 2025 remains unconfirmed, as it depends on moon sighting. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, necessitating confirmation before the end of Ramadan. The UAE cabinet stipulates that if Ramadan lasts 30 days, it will constitute an official holiday on day 30, thus providing a potential four-day break for residents.
Whether the crescent moon is sighted on Ramadan 29 will determine if Eid commences on March 30 or March 31. Should Ramadan complete 30 days, Eid will start on March 31, lasting until April 2, culminating in a five-day holiday including the weekend.
In summary, the first day of Eid al-Fitr 2025 is tentatively set for March 30 based on astronomical predictions but awaits confirmation by moon sighting. Various countries in the region, including Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, have outlined holiday schedules for their public and private sectors, reflecting national observances of this significant occasion. Coordination among authorities is essential to finalize the holiday dates and ensure clarity for all stakeholders in the community.
Original Source: economymiddleeast.com
