Eid al-Fitr in the United Arab Emirates
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal. In the United Arab Emirates, it is a public holiday for both public and private sectors, with dates set by the Islamic lunar calendar.[1][2]
Meaning and lunar timing
Eid al-Fitr is the Islamic celebration that follows Ramadan, the month in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The UAE Government explains that Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days; Eid begins with Shawwal, the next month in the Hijri calendar.[2][3]
The Cabinet resolution lists Eid al-Fitr from 1 to 3 Shawwal, a three-day holiday. If Ramadan completes 30 days, the resolution adds the 30th day of Ramadan to the Eid holiday. Islamic holiday dates depend on moon sighting, so the Gregorian dates are confirmed through official announcements.[1][2]
A public holiday under UAE law
The UAE’s public-holiday rules apply to both public and private sectors. Under the Cabinet resolution, an official holiday cannot be transferred when it coincides with another public holiday or falls on a weekend. The Eid dates in a particular year should therefore be checked against the announced schedule rather than assumed from a previous year.[1][2]
Private-sector employees are entitled to paid leave on official public holidays. If work conditions require an employee to work during a public holiday, the labour law provides for another day off or normal pay for that day plus an increase of at least 50 per cent of basic wage. The applicable leave arrangement is therefore relevant to workers whose roles continue during the holiday.[4]
Family celebrations and food
Eid al-Fitr has religious significance across the Muslim world as the celebration at the end of Ramadan. In the UAE, Dubai’s official tourism guide describes sharing food with family and friends as a central part of Eid celebrations. Traditions and meals differ between households, so the guide’s examples are not a set menu for every family.[3]
The guide names ouzi, chicken machboos and luqaimat among foods associated with Eid in the UAE. It describes ouzi as slow-cooked lamb or goat with rice, machboos as chicken served with basmati rice, and luqaimat as dough balls dipped in honey. These dishes offer examples of local festive food rather than a complete account of what people eat across the country.[3]
What residents and visitors should expect
The holiday gives employees in both sectors an official break, while private-sector workers required to work have the compensation rights set out in labour law. Residents and visitors should confirm arrangements directly with individual banks, shops, restaurants or transport services before making plans.[1][4]
Dubai’s official tourism guide notes that malls and entertainment venues often hold family activities, performances and concerts around Eid. These programmes are not fixed by the public-holiday resolution and may change, so check the venue’s own information for current opening hours, events or travel arrangements.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Eid al-Fitr a public holiday in the UAE?
When does Eid al-Fitr fall?
How long is the UAE Eid al-Fitr holiday?
The Cabinet resolution lists three days, from 1 to 3 Shawwal. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the 30th day of Ramadan is added to the Eid holiday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) in United Arab Emirates:
- Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 Concerning the Public Holidays in the State- UAE Legislation
- Public holidays- The Official Platform of the UAE Government
- All you need to know about Eid in Dubai- Visit Dubai, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
- Official leaves and vacations- The Official Platform of the UAE Government