Mashable: The Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr is celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan

The longest break of the year is coming.

As the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan officially began across the world after the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, March 10, 2024, Muslims are looking forward to celebrating Eid Al Fitr.

#Saudi Supreme Court Declares March 11 Start of Ramadan.#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/H1r9i6IvSA — SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) March 10, 2024

The Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr which is celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan is less than a month away, and a very exciting holiday break awaits the UAE residents.

According to the Khaleej Times, the residents of the United Arab Emirates can enjoy a long holiday break of nine days next month, without touching their 30-day annual leave.

UAE residents, from both private and public sectors could get up to nine days off in April 2024 to celebrate the Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr, which is marked after Ramadan.

Eid Al Fitr Break: UAE's Longest Public Holiday

In the UAE, residents anticipate the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday, potentially spanning nine days if Ramadan lasts 30 days. Government announcements outline the holiday's duration, accommodating both scenarios. This break marks the… — Impart (@Impart_app) March 12, 2024

This year, the Ramadan crescent Moon, which signals the beginning of the holy month in the Islamic/ Hijri calendar, was sighted in the Emirates on Sunday evening, making Monday, March 11, 2024, the first day of Ramadan.

Contrary to astronomical calculations, like all Islamic calendar months, the holy month of Ramadan will also last either 29 or 30 days. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated after the Moon is sighted and on the first of Shawwal.

According to the list of holidays announced by the government of the UAE for public and private sectors, residents will enjoy a break from Ramadan 29 till Shawwal 3.

#UAE_Cabinet approves official holidays calendar for government and private sectors for year 2024 pic.twitter.com/HHtIQawNy8 — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) November 21, 2023

Let’s take a look at how this year’s Eid Al Fitr holiday will pan out, as per the moon sighting:

Ramadan – 29 days:

If the holy month of Ramadan lasts 29 days, the Islamic festival of Eid will be celebrated on April 9. The holiday will start on Monday, April 8, till Thursday, April 11, 2024, making it a 6-day-long break including the Saturday-Sunday weekend before the break.

Ramadan – 30 days:

If the holy month of Ramadan lasts 30 days, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on April 10. The holiday will begin on Monday, April 8, till Friday, April 12, 2024, making it a 9-day-long break including Saturday-Sunday weekends before and after.

So, get your planning calendars out.