There was a lot of anticipation about when Eid Al Fitr would officially begin this year, but as always, it all depended on the sighting of the crescent moon. Earlier this month, the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee announced they would meet on the evening of Saturday, March 29, to determine the start of Eid. And so, I can officially say that Eid Al Fitr starts today, Sunday, March 30th, as the crescent moon was spotted last night! This means that the UAE public holiday for Eid Al Fitr will start from Sunday, March 30th. Ah, what a blissful 4-day long weekend we get to savour in Dubai (or a 5-day long weekend if you’re in Sharjah, lucky you). Keep reading to find out more and what the Eid Al Fitr prayer timings are.
Also read: Celebrate Eid Al Fitr At Abu Dhabi’s Newest Festival – Ghaitha Al Ain 2025
With Eid al Fitr’s start date confirmed, public and private sector employees across the UAE can look forward to a well-deserved break. The official public holiday will run from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1. Regular working hours will resume on Wednesday, April 2, (sadly) marking the end of the shorter Ramadan work hours.
Eid prayers typically take place just after sunrise, generally between 6:10 AM and 6:30 AM (UAE). The exact timing various on your location and visibility levels outside, so it’s always best to check with your local mosque (and weather app) for the latest updates. Since mosques and prayer grounds tend to get crowded, it is recommended that worshippers arrive at least 30 minutes early to find a good spot and prepare for the prayer without any rush.
Eid prayers hold a deep spiritual meaning for Muslims, as they symbolise gratitude towards Allah and a renewal of faith. The prayer consists of two Rak’ahs, featuring multiple Takbirs that praise and glorify Allah. After the prayer and the khutbah (sermon), the message of Eid is reinforced – emphasising gratitude, unity, and generosity. The occasion encourages worshippers to continue acts of kindness and charity beyond Ramadan, spreading joy and compassion within their communities. It is also a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) to perform the Eid prayer in congregation, as this strengthens the sense of togetherness and celebration among worshippers.
Dubai offers several mosques and open-air Musallahs (prayer grounds) for Eid prayers. Some of the most popular locations include:
These venues accommodate large gatherings, allowing the community to come together in prayer and celebration.
As we welcome this joyous occasion, the Gulf Buzz team wishes you all Eid Mubarak! May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to you and your loved ones.
Eid Mubarak!
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