Eid Al Fitr Celebrations Commence in the UAE Following Shawwal Crescent Sighting
The UAE officially marks the beginning of Eid Al Fitr with a confirmed four-day holiday for residents.
The UAE's Astronomy Centre has confirmed the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on the morning of Sunday, March 30, 2025, indicating the end of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid Al Fitr celebrations across the nation.
The first official image of the crescent moon was captured at the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi at 7:30 AM local time, with the Moon positioned at a distance of 10.5 degrees from the sun.
As a result of the crescent sighting, authorities declared Sunday, March 30, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, offering residents a four-day holiday from March 30 to April 2. This announcement aligns with the UAE's official holiday calendar, which indicates that the Eid holiday spans from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3, with an additional paid holiday declared for March 30, noted as Ramadan 30.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai announced that Eid prayers will commence at 6:30 AM in over 680 mosques and prayer areas across the emirate.
Other emirates will follow suit, with prayer times varying slightly due to local sunrise timings.
For instance, in Abu Dhabi, prayers are set for 6:32 AM, while in Sharjah and Ajman, they will start at 6:28 AM.
As the holiday progresses, public parking across Dubai and Sharjah will be free from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3, although paid parking will resume on Shawwal 4. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will operate the Dubai Metro's Red and Green Lines from modified hours during the holiday period.
Leaders in the UAE also participated in the Eid prayers, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attending at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Other Emirati leaders attended prayer services at various mosques throughout the emirates, receiving well-wishers afterwards.
In the context of family celebrations, residents are engaging in customary festivities marked by shared meals, gift exchanges, and community events.
Many families report gathering for Eid prayers, followed by feasts featuring traditional dishes such as Biryani and Kebabs.
The celebratory atmosphere is complemented by various public events, including fireworks displays across major cities.
Additionally, several hospitals in the UAE announced the birth of babies on Eid, highlighting a unique dual celebration for parents.
Notably, an Afghan couple welcomed their twelfth child on this festive day in Ajman, and couples from various nationalities reported joyous births coinciding with the holiday.
Hospitals marked these births as special occasions, further reinforcing the festive spirit of the day.
The communal sharing of joy exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the celebrations, supporting a sense of togetherness among diverse communities in the UAE.
The first official image of the crescent moon was captured at the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi at 7:30 AM local time, with the Moon positioned at a distance of 10.5 degrees from the sun.
As a result of the crescent sighting, authorities declared Sunday, March 30, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, offering residents a four-day holiday from March 30 to April 2. This announcement aligns with the UAE's official holiday calendar, which indicates that the Eid holiday spans from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3, with an additional paid holiday declared for March 30, noted as Ramadan 30.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai announced that Eid prayers will commence at 6:30 AM in over 680 mosques and prayer areas across the emirate.
Other emirates will follow suit, with prayer times varying slightly due to local sunrise timings.
For instance, in Abu Dhabi, prayers are set for 6:32 AM, while in Sharjah and Ajman, they will start at 6:28 AM.
As the holiday progresses, public parking across Dubai and Sharjah will be free from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3, although paid parking will resume on Shawwal 4. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will operate the Dubai Metro's Red and Green Lines from modified hours during the holiday period.
Leaders in the UAE also participated in the Eid prayers, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attending at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Other Emirati leaders attended prayer services at various mosques throughout the emirates, receiving well-wishers afterwards.
In the context of family celebrations, residents are engaging in customary festivities marked by shared meals, gift exchanges, and community events.
Many families report gathering for Eid prayers, followed by feasts featuring traditional dishes such as Biryani and Kebabs.
The celebratory atmosphere is complemented by various public events, including fireworks displays across major cities.
Additionally, several hospitals in the UAE announced the birth of babies on Eid, highlighting a unique dual celebration for parents.
Notably, an Afghan couple welcomed their twelfth child on this festive day in Ajman, and couples from various nationalities reported joyous births coinciding with the holiday.
Hospitals marked these births as special occasions, further reinforcing the festive spirit of the day.
The communal sharing of joy exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the celebrations, supporting a sense of togetherness among diverse communities in the UAE.
