RIYADH/DUBAI: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially announced that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, 30th March 2025, after the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening.
According to an official statement from the Saudi Royal Court, as cited by Gulf News, the moon-sighting committee convened after Maghrib prayers and confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan after 29 days of fasting.
The UAE Moon Sighting Committee also confirmed the sighting, with Qatar making a similar announcement.
However, Oman and Iran have declared that Eid al-Fitr will begin on Monday, 31st March, as the crescent moon was not visible in their regions.
Eid prayers and observances
Saudi authorities have announced that Eid prayers will be held on Sunday morning at over 15,948 mosques and 3,939 open-air prayer grounds across the country.
Families will gather for prayers and celebrations, marking one of the most significant religious festivals in Islam.
Public holidays announced
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a four-day holiday for the private and non-profit sectors, starting from Sunday, 30th March, to Wednesday, 2nd April.
Meanwhile, the UAE government has also declared public holidays for Eid al-Fitr, allowing residents and expatriates to celebrate the festival with family and loved ones.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on Shawwal 1, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Islamic calendar follows a lunar system, where months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s visibility.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court had earlier urged citizens to observe the crescent moon on the 29th of Ramadan, in line with Islamic tradition.
