People in Dubai and the broader UAE started celebrating Ramadan 2025 from March 1. Eid al Fitr comes after the Hijri month of Ramadan. Since the Hijri calendar is based on lunar sightings, the exact dates cannot be confirmed until right before the end of Ramadan.
Still, some educated predictions can be made. The first major UAE public holiday of 2025 is Eid al Fitr. People in the Emirates can enjoy at least three official days off for Eid al Fitr and an extra day if Ramadan turns into a 30-day month.
Eid al Fitr 2025 in UAE: Expected dates
If Ramadan in Dubai is a 29-day month, Eid al Fitr is going to begin on Sunday March 30. This means people in the emirate can enjoy Sunday March 30, Monday March 31 and Tuesday April 1 as public holidays. If the earlier Saturday is combined, you get a four-day holiday.
But if Ramadan 2025 stretches to 30 days, people shall start celebrating Eid al Fitr on Monday March 31. Monday March 31, Tuesday April 1 and Wednesday April 2 turn into public holidays. If the earlier Saturday and Sunday are combined, you get a five-day holiday.
The official dates shall be confirmed closer to the end of Ramadan based on the moon sighting committee. But since Ramadan is falling in the colder season until 2031, there is a higher likelihood of the month being 30 days long.
Eid al Fitr 2025: Significance and celebration
Eid al Fitr in Dubai marks the end of Ramadan, as earlier mentioned. This major public holiday in the UAE marks the conclusion of a month of fasting for Muslims. Be on the lookout for the Eid al Fitr cannons in Dubai as they shall officially announce the beginning of Eid.
Similar to the concept of Iftar cannons during the holy month of Ramadan, Eid cannons officially declare the end of Ramadan. These cannons are fired multiple times at different locations across the city on the morning of Eid al Fitr and after prayers.
Early in the morning, families engage in a prayer either at home or the nearest mosque. It is also a custom among the Muslim community to exchange gifts and donate to charitable causes. Dubai celebrates the occasion vibrantly, hosting music and dance performances.
Eid al Fitr 2025 in UAE: Getting a nine-day holiday
If Ramadan lasts 29 days this year, you shall get an Eid al Fitr holiday of four days (go through earlier sections of this article for the calendar). In this case, you need to book three days off at your office to turn Eid into a nine-day holiday.
But if the holy month of Ramadan stretches for 30 days, you get an Eid holiday of five days. In this case, you need to book just a couple of days off to make the most of the break. Therefore, start making preparations today.
Eid al Fitr 2025 in Dubai: Expected changes
Eid al Fitr is the first major UAE public holiday in 2025. Formal announcements are yet to be made for any significant changes to daily life in Dubai during Eid. But it is expected that parking is going to be free during the public holidays, just like last year.
There are also likely to be slight changes to the operating hours of shopping malls, public transport and some restaurants in Dubai. You should also pay attention to the price of Salik toll gate fees. Prices usually change during Ramadan.
Eid al Fitr 2025: Top destinations for UAE residents
Eid al Fitr holidays are just around the corner. Since there is a possibility of turning Eid into a nine-day holiday this year, start booking flight tickets for some of the most surreal visa-free destinations from the UAE.
1. Baku
There is a lot to do in Baku as soon as you land. The flight time lasts around 3 hours. You can learn about the city through your feet, exploring alleys, mosques, historic buildings and remnants of fortification. Don’t forget to try the famous shekerbura.
2. Seychelles
Popular among global tourists for its lush greenery and picturesque islands, Seychelles can offer a dreamlike escape for UAE residents this Eid holiday. The approximate flight time from different UAE cities is around 4 to 5 hours.
3. Mauritius
Mauritius is a tropical paradise, to say the least. Flight times from the UAE to Mauritius can be around 6 to 7 hours. It is the perfect place to be in this Eid al Fitr 2025. Beach fans, nature enthusiasts and families adore Mauritius equally.
4. Kathmandu
There are plenty of things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal. You can explore the Buddha Stupa, about 11 km from the city centre, or visit the Pashupatinath Temple. Eating momos and thukpa is a must. Flight times can be around 4 hours.
5. Nairobi
You cannot call this a list by skipping Nairobi, Kenya. The animal encounters here are breathtaking and the sunsets – Mashallah. There is also a huge art and culture scene in the city. The approximate flight time is 5 to 6 hours from the UAE.
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What makes you a good journalist? Hopefully, I can find a convincing answer to it someday.From Btech in Civil Engineering to pursuing Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication, it has been quite a journey. I have a keen interest in investigative journalism and exploring the latest developments in the Gulf region.
I care about ethical reporting and bringing something new to the table. Overall, if not a writer, I believe I would have been a globetrotter or a pet-sitter.
Email id: shrabani@traveltodubai.ae
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