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UAE announces Eid Al Fitr 2023 holiday for private sector; residents could get up to 5 days off

The government had earlier confirmed the holidays for public sector employees

Published: Thu 13 Apr 2023, 12:04 PM

Updated: Sat 15 Apr 2023, 10:52 PM

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The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the official holiday for Eid Al Fitr. Residents could get up to five days off for the Islamic festival, depending on when the Moon is sighted.

The holidays are from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Islamic calendar months).

Earlier today, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) announced the same holiday for the public sector.

The UAE had unified the official holidays of public and private sectors, which means Emiratis and expats working in government departments and private companies get the same set of holidays.

Four- or five-day break?

Islamic months last for 29 or 30 days, depending on when the Moon is sighted. Ramadan 29 falls on Thursday, April 20, which is when the Eid break begins. On the same night, the UAE’s moon-sighting committee will meet to confirm the dates of Eid. If the crescent moon is spotted on the night, Friday, April 21, is the first day of Eid. This will give residents a four-day break. If the Moon is not spotted on that night, Saturday, April 22, is when the Islamic festival starts and residents will enjoy a five-day weekend.

As per astronomical calculations, Ramadan will last for 29 days this year. The first day of Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, April 21, in most Islamic countries, including the UAE, which means it will be a four-day break for residents. Therefore, the most likely dates of the Eid Al Fitr break are from Thursday, April 20, to Sunday, April 23.

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