Qatar anticipates March 30, 2025, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr based on astronomical calculations. The UAE has announced a holiday for the private sector from March 30 to April 1, with potential extension based on Ramadan’s conclusion. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have also specified holiday durations contingent on moon sightings, stressing the lunar calendar’s role in Eid observance.
The Qatar Calendar House has projected that the first day of Eid al-Fitr 2025 will be observed on March 30, based on astronomical computations. Executive Director Faisal Al Ansari specified that the new crescent moon, marking the start of Shawwal, is expected to occur on the evening of March 29 at 1:58 PM local time in Doha. However, the official confirmation regarding the commencement of Shawwal will be made by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs through its Crescent Sighting Committee.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has declared that the Eid al-Fitr holiday for the private sector will commence on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and extend through Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Should Ramadan conclude with the 30th day, the holiday would then be extended to Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has also announced similar holiday arrangements for the federal government sector, with the absence from work spanning from 1st to 3rd Shawwal 1446 AH.
Saudi Arabia has instituted a four-day holiday for the private and non-profit sectors in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, with the holiday period set from March 30 to April 2, resuming work on April 3. Including the preceding weekend, employees in Saudi Arabia will experience a total of six days off during this festive period.
In Kuwait, if Eid al-Fitr is observed on March 30, public sector work will pause for three days, resuming on April 2. However, should Eid begin on March 31, the public sector will not resume work until April 6. This scenario would result in a cumulative nine-day break when including the preceding weekends.
The official date for Eid al-Fitr remains tentative, pending the sighting of the crescent moon. The Islamic lunar calendar’s reliance on moon sightings complicates the confirmation of the holiday. The UAE moon-sighting committee is anticipated to announce the official date shortly before Ramadan concludes. Legislation in the UAE stipulates that if Ramadan reaches 30 days, the last day will also be recognized as an official holiday, potentially yielding a total of four days off, from March 30 to April 1. If the moon is not visible on March 29, the month will last 30 days, enabling Eid to commence on March 31, ultimately leading to a five-day vacation, including the weekend.
In summary, key announcements regarding Eid al-Fitr 2025 indicate that March 30 is projected as its first day based on astronomical calculations. Various nations, including Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, have outlined their holiday plans, which may vary based on the moon’s sighting. The observance of these holidays will depend on the Islamic lunar calendar, emphasizing the significance of moon phases in determining festive celebrations.
Original Source: economymiddleeast.com
