DUBAI: Eid Al Fitr 2025 is set to bring extended breaks for residents across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with some nations granting nearly two weeks off.
As the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the exact holiday dates depend on the sighting of the crescent moon.
However, preliminary announcements from various governments have outlined the expected leave periods, allowing employees and students to plan ahead.
UAE’s holiday schedule
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that private sector employees will receive a public holiday from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1. Should Ramadan extend to 30 days, the holiday will be prolonged to Wednesday, April 2.
For the federal government employees, the break will be from 1 to 3 Shawwal 1446 AH, with work resuming on 4 Shawwal. Officials have reiterated that the final dates depend on the moon sighting, which will confirm whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Saudi Arabia’s confirmed days off
Saudi Arabia has also unveiled its Eid holiday schedule. Employees in both the public and private sectors will begin their break on Sunday, March 30, and return to work on Thursday, April 3. With the Saudi weekend falling on Friday and Saturday, this extends the overall holiday period.
Students in the Kingdom are in for an even longer break. As per the Saudi Ministry of Education, schools will close for Eid on March 20 and resume on April 6, giving students a 17-day break to celebrate with family.
Extended break in Oman
Oman is set to enjoy one of the lengthiest holidays in the region. Official reports suggest that public holidays will run from Sunday, March 30, to Thursday, April 3. This could extend further, as the country’s weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. If this schedule is followed, Omanis could enjoy a nine-day break from Friday, March 28, to Saturday, April 5.
The government is yet to confirm whether additional holidays will be granted, but historically, Oman has been generous with extended public holidays during Eid festivities.
Kuwait’s flexible holiday plan
Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission (CSC) has outlined two possible holiday scenarios based on the first day of Eid. If Eid falls on Sunday, March 30, public sector employees will receive a three-day holiday, ending on Tuesday, April 1.
However, if Eid begins on Monday, March 31, the break will extend to Thursday, April 3, with work resuming on Sunday, April 6. The CSC’s announcement aligns with Kuwait’s practice of adjusting public holidays in accordance with the moon sighting.
Qatar grants longest Eid break
Qatar has announced one of the most extended Eid Al Fitr holidays in the region. Public sector workers will be off from Sunday, March 30, to Monday, April 7, returning to work on Tuesday, April 8. With weekends falling on Friday and Saturday, this effectively grants many employees an 11-day holiday.
For financial institutions, including banks and businesses under the jurisdiction of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), the holiday period will be determined separately by the QCB Governor, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani. The official dates for these sectors will be released in due course.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr, also known as the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast,’ marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, meaning the date of Eid changes annually.
Muslims celebrate Eid by gathering with family, performing prayers, and sharing meals. It is also a time for charity, as giving to those in need is a significant part of the celebrations.
With generous holidays announced across the GCC, many residents are expected to travel or spend time with loved ones, making the most of the festive season.