UAE: Eid Al Fitr 2024 Likely To Begin On April 10, Expected Dates For Long Holiday Revealed
Eid Al Fitr, the important religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, based on Islamic astronomical calculations.
Al Jarwan explained that top scholars and experts studied the lunar calendar cycle and concluded that the first day of the month of Shawwal, which directly follows Ramadan, will be April 10.
This means that Muslims from the world over will be fasting for a period of 30 days during Ramadan.
An Islamic consensus is expected on the first day of #Shawwal and #Eid_al_Fitr. #UAE_BARQ_EN pic.twitter.com/Nf1rS4ISlh
— UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) March 17, 2024
The expected birth of the Shawwal crescent in 2024 will coincide with a total solar eclipse on April 8.
Calculations show the moon’s crescent should be visible after sunset on April 9 across most of the Islamic world, as it will form before midnight on the 8.
Why is Eid Al Fitr celebrated in the UAE?
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. Eid Al Fitr, which translates to “festival of breaking the fast”, is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.
For 29 or 30 days, Muslims observe a dawn-to-sunset fast and engaged in intense worship, prayer, charity and spiritual reflection. The night before Eid, special evening prayers are held to signify the completion of Ramadan.
During this time, families often gathering to offer Eid prayers at outdoor locations or mosques in the early morning.
They also exchange greetings, wear new clothes, give gifts to children and share festive meals.
How many days holiday will UAE residents get?
If Eid Al Fitr falls on April 10, UAE residents can expect a five-day holiday.
The Eid break will begin on Wednesday, April 10 (Ramadan 29) and last until Friday, April 12 (Shawwal 3), and the Saturday-Sunday weekend.
This information is for guidance only, official holiday start dates and timings for Eid Al Fitr 2024 in the UAE will be announced following the sighting of the crescent moon.
