As Eid al-Fitr 2025 approaches, anticipation is building across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon will determine the holiday's exact start date. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on Muslims to observe the crescent moon on Saturday evening, March 29, 2025, which corresponds to Ramadan 29, 1446 AH. This announcement comes as communities prepare for the festive occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal.
The UAE Council for Fatwa has similarly urged specialists and community members to participate in the moon sighting, emphasizing the importance of this traditional practice. The sighting will decide whether Eid al-Fitr will commence on Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31. If the crescent is sighted on the 29th, Eid will begin on the 30th; if not, Ramadan will extend to 30 days, with Eid starting on the 31st.
In a broader context, the International Astronomy Centre has indicated that sighting the crescent on March 29 may be impossible across the Arab and Islamic world, as the moon is expected to set before sunset. Emirati astronomer Ibrahim Al-Jarwan has confirmed that astronomical calculations suggest Ramadan will likely complete its 30 days, leading to Eid al-Fitr being celebrated on March 31.
As the holiday approaches, various GCC nations have announced their official Eid holidays. Saudi Arabia has declared a four-day holiday for the private and non-profit sectors, starting from the end of the workday on March 29, with work resuming on April 3. This means private sector employees will enjoy a six-day holiday, including the preceding weekend.
In the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has confirmed a paid holiday from March 30 to April 1, with the possibility of extending it to April 2 if Ramadan lasts for 30 days. In Qatar, the Eid holiday for public sectors will run from March 30 until April 7, allowing for a total of 11 days off for many government employees.
Oman has also confirmed Eid holidays starting on March 29, with the duration dependent on the moon sighting. If Eid begins on March 30, work will resume on April 2; if it starts on March 31, the break will extend to April 6, resulting in a nine-day holiday.
Kuwait's Civil Service Commission has announced that public sector employees will enjoy a holiday based on the first day of Eid. If Eid falls on March 30, the holiday will last three days, while a March 31 start will extend the holiday to five days. This means a potential nine-day break for those with weekends included.
Qatar's Amiri Diwan has confirmed that ministries and public institutions will observe a holiday from March 30 to April 7, with employees returning to work on April 8. Additionally, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar has announced a two-day holiday for private schools and kindergartens on March 26-27 to prepare for Eid.
As the holiday nears, travel activity is surging in Saudi Arabia, with many citizens and expatriates planning getaways during the extended holiday period. Public sector employees will enjoy a week-long break from March 30 through April 5, while private sector employees can expect three to four days off. This extended holiday has prompted a wave of early bookings for both domestic and international travel.
Popular destinations for Saudi travelers include India, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey, driven by strong cultural and familial connections. Additionally, many are venturing further afield to explore Europe, with countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, and Russia among the top choices. The average duration of Eid trips this year has grown by two days compared to 2024, reflecting a trend towards longer vacations.
Domestic travel is also on the rise, with a reported 15.57% increase in searches for local destinations, highlighting a boost to local tourism. Cities such as Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah, and Abha are seeing increased interest, offering unique experiences from spiritual journeys to coastal retreats.
As the region gears up for Eid al-Fitr 2025, authorities are rolling out tailored travel deals to accommodate the surge in demand. Platforms like Wego are providing flexible options for travelers looking to reconnect with loved ones or embark on new adventures. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy by boosting tourism and enhancing the overall holiday experience.
In Dubai, the Municipality has announced working hours for slaughterhouses during Eid, ensuring that all preparations are in place for the festivities. Abattoirs in Al Qusais, Al Quoz, Al Lisaili, and Hatta will operate from 7:30 AM to 2 PM on the first day of Eid, and from 7 AM to 2 PM on the second and third days.
With the moon sighting on March 29, communities across the GCC are eagerly awaiting the announcement of Eid al-Fitr. The holiday not only signifies the end of fasting but also serves as a time for family gatherings, reflection, and celebration. The region's coordinated efforts to observe this important occasion reflect deep-rooted traditions and a shared cultural heritage.
