The UAE has announced that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday, 18 March, meaning Ramadan will complete 30 days this year. As a result, Thursday, 19 March will be the final day of Ramadan, and Friday, 20 March will mark the first day of Shawwal and the beginning of Eid Al Fitr.
The Shawwal Moon-Sighting Committee met in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, 18 March, after Maghrib prayer to observe the crescent and confirm the start of the new lunar month. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Al Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Council.
Moon sighting is a key religious practice that determines the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr across the Islamic world. As the crescent was not sighted, the Holy Month will last the full 30 days in the UAE.
Eid Al Fitr has been confirmed as a four-day break for public and private sector employees, from Thursday, 19 March, to Sunday, 22 March. Work will resume on Monday, 23 March, for both sectors.