Eid al-Fitr 2025 is quickly approaching, marking an important celebration for Muslims around the world. Scheduled to begin with the sighting of the crescent moon, this year’s holiday has sparked various announcements regarding holiday schedules across the Middle East and Indian subcontinent.
In Oman, the government has officially stated that the Eid al-Fitr celebration for both the public and private sectors will commence on March 29, 2025. As of March 24, the end date of the holiday remains uncertain. If the first day of Eid falls on Sunday, March 30, official work will resume on Wednesday, April 2. Alternatively, if Eid begins on Monday, March 31, work is set to resume on Sunday, April 6. The labor ministry has instructed private-sector entities to ensure wages for March 2025 are distributed to workers no later than March 27, ensuring a festive financial flow leading into the holiday.
The United Arab Emirates is likewise preparing for the occasion, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization announcing a holiday for private sector employees from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Extending holidays will rely on the lunar sighting; if Ramadan concludes at 30 days, the holiday may stretch to Wednesday, April 2, 2025. In a similar vein, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has confirmed that federal government employees will have time off from the 1st to the 3rd of Shawwal, with work resuming on the 4th. Ramadan officially began on March 1, 2025, marking the start of this month-long period of fasting and reflection.
Saudi Arabia, too, is set to join the celebrations with a four-day holiday for its private and non-profit sectors. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the break will span from March 30 to April 2, with employees returning to work on April 3. Workers in the Kingdom enjoy a six-day holiday when factoring in the weekend, allowing ample time for family gatherings and community celebrations.
Kuwait also announced plans for its Eid observance; if Eid falls on March 30, the public sector will have a three-day suspension of work, resuming on April 2. However, if the moon sighting indicates Eid starts on March 31, public sector work will halt from March 30 until April 5, with offices opening on April 6, constituting a generous nine-day holiday when combined with the two weekends.
Meanwhile, in India, the official holiday for Eid al-Fitr is designated for March 31, according to the central government's holiday calendar. Yet, it remains critical to track the lunar sighting since Eid could also be celebrated on March 30 in specific regions. The anticipation for festivities mirrors that of the entire Muslim community worldwide, reminding individuals of the importance of unity, gratitude, and joy.
As Eid al-Fitr approaches, major airlines such as Emirates are responding to the increased demand for travel by announcing the addition of 17 extra flights across the Middle East and GCC from March 26 to April 6. Emirates anticipates carrying over 371,000 passengers during this holiday period. Additional flights have been scheduled to vital destinations including Jeddah, Kuwait, Dammam, and Amman—catering to those eager to reunite with family or celebrate in various communities.
Passengers flying during Eid can expect special meals featuring delicious traditional dishes such as chicken madhbi and mixed grills, as well as extensive in-flight entertainment. With over 6,500 channels of content available, holiday travelers will have plenty of options to keep them engaged during their flights.
Eid al-Fitr, meaning "festival of breaking the fast," resonates deeply within the hearts of millions, serving as a lovely reminder of the month-long devotion observed during Ramadan. As communities come together, the occasion fosters relationships, nurtures spirituality, and encourages generosity through traditions such as the giving of Zakat al-Fitr and the exchange of gifts. Moreover, it is customary for Muslims to wear new attire, share meals, and express well-wishes with the phrase "Eid Mubarak," or "Blessed Eid."
Ultimately, the coming days will signify more than just the end of Ramadan; they will herald celebrations filled with joy, reflection, and a renewed sense of community for Muslims globally. The excitement builds not just for the holiday's arrival, but for all that it represents—faith, unity, and shared experiences as people around the world gather with family and friends to mark this festive occasion.
