Eid Al Fitr 2025 holidays for both the public and private sectors have been officially declared in several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar.

The precise commencement of these holidays is subject to the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, with astronomical predictions providing additional context.

In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court has urged Muslims to attempt to sight the Shawwal crescent on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as the end of Ramadan approaches.

Citizens are encouraged to report any sightings to the nearest court or designated committee.

Similarly, the UAE’s Fatwa Council has made the same call to the public.

However, according to the International Astronomy Centre, it will be impossible to see the Shawwal crescent on March 29 across much of the Arab and Islamic world due to its timing; the moon will set before the sun, meaning that sightings are not feasible post-sunset.

Emirati astronomer Ibrahim Al-Jarwan has indicated that accurate astronomical calculations suggest Ramadan is expected to conclude with 30 days, leading to the likelihood of Eid Al Fitr being celebrated on Monday, March 31.

In the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed Eid Al Fitr holidays for private sector employees starting on Sunday, March 30, and continuing until Tuesday, April 1. If Ramadan extends to 30 days, the holiday period will be prolonged to include Wednesday, April 2. Federal government employees will observe a break from April 1 to April 3, with work resuming on April 4.

In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has mandated a four-day holiday for private sector employees starting at the end of the workday on Saturday, March 29, adhering to the national labor regulations.

Oman has declared that Eid Al Fitr holidays will commence on March 29 for both public and private sectors, though the duration will depend on the moon sighting.

If Eid begins on March 30, employees will return to work on April 2. Conversely, if Eid starts on March 31, work will resume on April 6. Employers in the private sector have been instructed to ensure that salaries are disbursed by March 27.

Kuwait has announced an estimated three-to-five-day holiday contingent on the moon sighting outcomes.

A three-day holiday is anticipated if Eid occurs on March 30, whereas a five-day holiday would be confirmed if Eid is declared on March 31, resulting in a work resumption on either April 2 or April 6.

In Qatar, the Amiri Diwan has confirmed the Eid Al Fitr holiday will start on March 30 and last until April 7 for ministries and public institutions, resuming work on April 8. This will effectively create an extended break of 11 days due to the weekend structure in Qatar.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education has announced a two-day holiday for private schools and kindergartens on March 26 and 27 in preparation for Eid.

In Bahrain, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister has stipulated a three-day holiday beginning on the day of Eid and extending through the following two days.

These announcements showcase the GCC nations' coordinated efforts to facilitate public and private sector participation in the observance of Eid Al Fitr while maintaining adherence to traditional moon sighting protocols.