In the Islamic lunar calendar, the commencement and conclusion of each month are determined by the appearance of the crescent moon. Specifically, the sighting of the Shawwal crescent marks the end of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting.
However, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Shawwal crescent has not been sighted, indicating that Ramadan will span the full 30 days. Consequently, the last day of Ramadan falls on Tuesday, with Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, scheduled for Wednesday, April 10. This announcement has significant implications for both public and private sector employees, as it grants them a nine-day break inclusive of weekends.
The UAE's moon-sighting committee had urged Muslims throughout the country to diligently scan the skies for the crescent moon. As per the Islamic Hijri calendar, months consist of either 29 or 30 days, with the sighting of the crescent moon on the 29th day determining the transition to the next month.
With Eid al-Fitr occurring on Wednesday, residents can anticipate an extended holiday period, along with adjustments to parking regulations and toll timings. Notably, the holiday period spans from Monday, April 8, to Sunday, April 14, encompassing both the weekend preceding and following the Eid festivities. This translates to a total of nine consecutive days off, with normal work operations resuming on Monday, April 15.
Parking regulations vary across emirates, with Dubai offering free parking from Sunday, April 7, to Friday, April 12, while Abu Dhabi provides complimentary parking from Monday, April 8, to Sunday, April 14. Similarly, toll gates in Abu Dhabi will operate toll-free from April 8 to April 14.
Additionally, Eid prayer timings have been scheduled across different emirates, with Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain holding prayers at 6:20 am, 6:17 am, 6:22 am, and 6:17 am, respectively. Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah will commence prayers at 6:15 a.m. These arrangements aim to facilitate a harmonious and organized observance of Eid al-Fitr festivities across the UAE.