Eid Al Fitr 2025: UAE announces public holidays for private sector workers
Eid break could extend to April 2 if Ramadan lasts 30 days
DUBAI: The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed the official holiday dates for private sector employees on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr 2025.
The break will begin on Sunday, 30 March, and will continue until Tuesday, 1 April.
If the holy month of Ramadan lasts 30 days, the Eid holiday will be extended to Wednesday, 2 April, giving employees an additional day off. This means private sector workers could enjoy a four- or five-day break, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
Moon sighting and holiday duration
Islamic months follow the lunar calendar, lasting either 29 or 30 days based on the sighting of the crescent moon. The UAE’s Moon sighting committee will observe the crescent on the evening of Saturday, 29 March. If the Moon is visible, Ramadan will end that night, and the Eid holidays will fall on 30 March, 31 March, and 1 April.
However, if the Moon is not sighted, Ramadan will extend to a full 30 days, making the first day of Shawwal fall on Monday, 31 March. In this case, private sector employees will get an extended five-day holiday from 30 March to 2 April.
Astronomical predictions by the Dubai Astronomy Group indicate that Ramadan is likely to last 30 days, making a five-day holiday scenario more probable.
Public sector holidays
The UAE’s public sector employees will receive similar holidays, as confirmed by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. Under the unified holiday policy, both public and private sector workers are granted equal breaks throughout the year.
Eid Al Fitr is one of the most significant Islamic holidays, marking the end of Ramadan. It is traditionally a time for family gatherings, charitable donations, and community celebrations.
Travel demand and rising costs
With less than two weeks until the holiday, travel demand has surged. Many residents are taking advantage of the extended break, booking vacations both within and outside the UAE. Travel agencies report a shift towards experience-based trips, with destinations such as the Maldives, Georgia, and Turkey witnessing increased bookings.
Airfare prices on popular routes have risen by 15–20 per cent, while hotel rates have spiked by 20–30 per cent due to peak holiday demand. As a result, many travellers are opting for all-inclusive packages to manage costs effectively.