Eid Al Fitr 2022: UAE announces holiday dates for federal government workers

The break will begin on Saturday, April 30, and could last until May 3 or 4 depending upon the sighting of Shawwal moon

Beautiful decorations for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Tailors at a garment shop in Satwa prepare and finish sowing Eid clothes for the upcoming end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Antonie Robertson / The National

Tailors at a garment shop in Satwa prepare and finish sowing Eid clothes for the upcoming end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Antonie Robertson / The National

Beautiful decorations for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Beautiful decorations for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

People shopping at Carrefour Hypermarket at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai ahead of Eid Al Fitr. Pawan Singh / The National

Tailors at a garment shop in Satwa prepare and finish sowing Eid clothes for the upcoming end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Antonie Robertson / The National

Tailors at a garment shop in Satwa prepare and finish sowing Eid clothes for the upcoming end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Antonie Robertson / The National

Tailors at a garment shop in Satwa prepare and finish sowing Eid clothes for the upcoming end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Antonie Robertson / The National

Tailors at a garment shop in Satwa prepare and finish sowing Eid clothes for the upcoming end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Antonie Robertson / The National

Tailors at a garment shop in Satwa prepare and finish sowing Eid clothes for the upcoming end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Antonie Robertson / The National

Eid Al Fitr holiday dates for government workers will begin on Ramadan 29 until Shawwal 3, according to state news agency Wam.

This means the holiday will be from Saturday, April 30, and last until Tuesday, May 3 or Wednesday, May 4.

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan but the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon. The holy month lasts for either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is seen.

The Emirates Astronomical Society forecast the last day of Ramadan will be May 1, making the month 30 days.

What is Eid Al Fitr?

At the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is the holiday that marks the completion of the month-long fast. Practices vary around the world, but commonly include morning prayers, public holidays, visiting family and friends, gift-giving and charity donations.

When is Eid Al Fitr and how is the start determined?

The end of the holy month will be confirmed in the same way as the beginning, by a moon-sighting committee that is responsible for spotting the new crescent moon.

The duration of the holy month is decided by the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months, totalling either 354 or 355 days.

That means each month can last either 29 or 30 days.

This year, in the UAE, Ramadan is expected to be on the longer side, at 30 days, according to astronomers.

How to wish someone a happy Eid