The moon-sighting committee in Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid Al Fitr will commence on Friday. UAE’s state owned media also confirmed that the Emirate will celebrate the first day of Shawaal tomorrow.
The committee, comprising astronomers, court officials, and advisers from the country’s Islamic authority, confirmed that the new crescent moon, which marks the start of the next Islamic month, confirmed the first day of Eid following the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday.
This means that Ramadan will last for 29 days this year, and the first day of Eid, Shawwal 1, will fall on Friday. As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the holy month can last for either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted.
Eid Al Fitr Holidays
According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources in the UAE, public and private sector employees will get a four-day weekend from Ramadan 29 to Shawaal 3.
Eid in Dubai: Additionally, Dubai Police confirmed that they had completed all necessary preparations with partners to ensure a safe and joyous celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.
According to Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs and Head of the Events Security Committee, the committee has put in place a comprehensive security plan for the Eid Al-Fitr festivities.
This includes securing all mosques and large prayer grounds where Eid prayers are held. He further elaborated that patrols will be stationed on all roads, in key tourist and vital areas, as well as in shopping centres and open markets to manage traffic and ensure smooth traffic flow.