Astronomical predictions suggest that Eid Al Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, 2025. The exact date hinges on the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan.
Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and member of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy Sciences, confirmed that the Shawwal crescent will be born on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:58 PM UAE time. However, due to the crescent’s low position near the horizon and the sun’s lingering glare, it will be difficult to sight. The moon will only be three hours old and have just 0.01% of its surface illuminated. Therefore, Ramadan is expected to conclude on Sunday, March 30, and Eid will likely fall on Monday, March 31.
The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics in Egypt also confirmed the crescent’s birth on March 29. Their calculations suggest that the crescent will be visible after sunset across many Arab countries, making it possible for Eid to be celebrated on Sunday, March 30.
However, the UAE, like other countries, relies on its official moon-sighting committee to make the final decision. An official announcement will be made on the evening of March 29, once the crescent is sighted.
If the crescent is visible on the night of March 29, Ramadan will end after 29 days, and Eid will be observed on Sunday, March 30. If the crescent is not sighted, Ramadan will extend to 30 days, and Eid will be observed on Monday, March 31.
According to the UAE’s official holiday calendar, the Eid Al Fitr break will either be four or five days long, depending on the moon sighting:
If Ramadan lasts 29 days: Eid will begin on Sunday, March 30, with a four-day holiday running from Saturday to Tuesday.
If Ramadan lasts 30 days: Eid will begin on Monday, March 31, extending the public holiday from Saturday to Wednesday, for a five-day break.
The final duration of the holiday will be confirmed after the moon sighting on the evening of March 29, 2025.
