With Ramadan just around the corner, there has been some uncertainty about how long Ramadan will last this year and how many days of public holiday we will get for Eid Al Fitr. The answer to these questions may not be as set in stone as we would like it to be, but keep reading to gain clarity on what your Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr will look like in Dubai this 2025.
Also read: Less Than 50 Days To Ramadan – Start Planning Your Eid Al Fitr Getaways To These Top 8 Spots
When Is Ramadan Expected To Start In 2025?
As of now, Ramadan is predicted to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025. That means the first full day of fasting will be Saturday, March 1, 2025. However, the exact starting date and full length of Ramadan will only be confirmed when religious authorities conduct the moon sighting.
Why Is There Uncertainty Around The 4 or 5 Day Break?
Islamic months follow the lunar calendar, meaning Ramadan can be either 29 or 30 days long, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted. Since Eid Al Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal (the month after Ramadan), the length of the holy month directly affects the holiday schedule. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the UAE can expect a 4-day public holiday. If it extends to 30 days, the break will likely stretch to 5 days.
Also read: UAE: AED 500 Fines You Can Get During Ramadan
What To Expect In The UAE For The Eid Al Fitr Public Holiday
The UAE typically grants public holidays from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. Based on this:
- If Ramadan lasts 29 days: Eid Al Fitr will begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and the public holiday will run from Sunday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 2 – giving us a 4-day break.
- If Ramadan lasts 30 days: Eid Al Fitr will start on Monday, March 31, 2025, and the public holiday will last until Thursday, April 3 – giving us a 5-day break.
A Long Weekend Awaits
Either way, UAE residents can look forward to a long break to celebrate Eid with family and friends. If the holiday lasts four days, many will still enjoy an extended weekend. But if Ramadan runs for the full 30 days, a five-day break will be the perfect excuse for a short getaway or a staycation.
Since the Islamic calendar is based on moon sightings, final confirmation will only come closer to Eid. Until then, keep an eye on Gulf Buzz as we’ll give you official updates straight from the UAE authorities.
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