The UAE has declared Eid holiday for 2025, even for private sector employees who are entitled to paid leave for celebrating this religious festival. As per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the Eid Al Fitr 2025 private sector holiday will begin on Sunday, March 30, and will end on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. These holidays with the exact duration being dependent on lunar observation that indicates the end of Ramadan.
Official Announcement
On March 18, 2025, a statement from MoHRE read:
“The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Sunday, March 30, 2025, to Tuesday, April 1, 2025, will be a paid holiday for all private sector employees across the country on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.”
This announcement of Eid Al Fitr 2025 private sector holiday dates is consonant with the UAE’s intentions to put public sector and private sector holidays on the same day for the sake of uniformity and allowing everyone a fair chance at celebrating.
Holiday Length Determinants
The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, so the lengths of months go from 29 or 30, depending on the sighting of the moon. Observing the lunar calendar with the help of witnesses puts an end to the Ramadan month and commences the Shawwal month at which Eid Al Fitr lies. Here are the expected Eid Al Fitr 2025 dates in UAE:
- If Ramadan lasts 29 days: The first of Shawwal, that is Eid Al Fitr, would thus be Sunday, March 30, and the holiday would be from March 30 to April 1, adding a four-day break that includes the previous Saturday.
- If Ramadan lasts 30 days: Thus, the Eid Al Fitr would fall on Monday, the 31st of March. Accordingly, the holidays will extend from March 30 to April 2, thus offering a five-day break along with the weekend.
To ascertain the specific dates, the UAE moon-sighting committee is set to observe the crescent moon on March 29. According to astronomical calculations by the Dubai Astronomy Group, it is very likely that Ramadan will reach its full 30 days, and thus, residents will have the opportunity to enjoy a five-day holiday.
Impact on Travel and Hospitality
The holiday announcement dates have had a tremendous effect on travel and hospitality bookings.
- Air Travel: A 15-20% increase in airfares for popular routes has been reported. The travel surge is due to increased demand during the Eid period as residents plan for vacation over this long extended break.
- Accommodation: Hotel rates have been up 20-30%, with an increase in occupancy during this festive season. Many travelers are opting for all-inclusive packages considering it a low-budget option due to the rising costs.
Experiential and family-oriented travel is a growing trend as residents seek immersive holiday experiences such as road trip, instead of traditional getaways.
Unified Holidays for Public and Private Sectors
A common holiday is established within the UAE, this means public and private sector employees are given holidays equally throughout the year. This practice promotes a sense of harmony in which all residents have the opportunity to celebrate the occasion, either national or religious. For Eid Al Fitr 2025, public sector employees should expect the same holidays as those in the private sector, which may extend to a 5-day holiday, depending on the moon sighting.
Eid Al Fitr 2025 Preparations
Both residents and visitors are gearing up for Eid festivities. Following are the recommendations to optimize the festive time:
- Plan Ahead: In light of the price hike in travel and accommodation, tickets and hotel bookings should be booked as soon as possible for eventual lower rates.
- Discover Local Activities: The UAE offers several cultural and entertainment activities for Eid. Partaking in these local festivities can provide an excellent immersion.
- Stay Updated: Make sure you are updated with official announcements regarding the exact holiday dates since these are subject to lunar sighting. This will assist in completing travel and event arrangements.
- Respect Local Culture: Eid Al Fitr holds paramount significance for all practicing Muslims. This occasion offers beautiful opportunities for locals and visitors to display their respect for local customs and traditions: modest dressing and consideration of prayer times.
Eid Al Fitr is a time for love, reflection, and togetherness. The announcement of the holiday dates allows residents and visitors in the UAE to prepare themselves and partake in the celebrations in a way that fosters an important sense of unity and appreciation for the culture.
FAQs
- When is Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE?
Eid Al Fitr 2025 is expected to commence on either Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, depending on the moon sighting that concludes Ramadan.
- What are the official Eid Al Fitr 2025 private sector holiday?
The UAE public holidays 2025 for the private sector are from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, 2025. If Ramadan extends to 30 days, the holiday will include Wednesday, April 2, resulting in a four or five-day break.
- Are UAE public and private sector Eid holidays the same?
Yes, the UAE holiday announcement for Eid 2025 states a unified holiday policy, ensuring both public and private sector employees receive the same holiday durations for Eid Al Fitr.
- Will UAE businesses remain open during Eid Al Fitr 2025?
While many businesses close to observe the holiday, essential services, malls, and entertainment venues often remain operational, though they may have adjusted working hours.
- How can tourists and residents prepare for Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE?
Tourists and residents should plan accommodations and travel in advance, be aware of cultural norms during the festivities, and participate in local events to fully experience the spirit of Eid.
