As Eid al-Fitr 2025 approaches, Muslims across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are preparing for the significant moment of sighting the crescent of the Shawwal moon. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on the faithful to observe the crescent on Saturday evening, March 29, 2025, which corresponds to Ramadan 29, 1446 AH. This announcement was made to ensure that all who see the crescent—whether with the naked eye or through binoculars—report their sighting to the nearest court or contact a designated center for assistance.
In the UAE, the Fatwa Council has echoed this call, urging specialists, community members, and anyone interested to participate in the moon sighting. The council emphasized the importance of this observation as it signifies the conclusion of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid al-Fitr, a festival celebrated with joy and gratitude.
According to the International Astronomical Center, however, the possibility of sighting the crescent moon on March 29 is highly unlikely. They stated that it would be “impossible from the eastern part of the world” and that no observation methods—including the naked eye, telescopes, or advanced astronomical photography—would yield results in the Arab and Islamic world.
Despite these predictions, the anticipation for Eid al-Fitr remains high. The holiday is expected to begin either on Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, depending on the moon sighting. If the crescent moon is visible on the 29th, then Eid will commence on the 30th. Conversely, if the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will last a full 30 days, pushing the start of Eid to March 31.
Saudi Arabia has already announced a four-day holiday for the private and non-profit sectors in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, spanning from March 30 to April 2, with work resuming on April 3. This gives private sector employees an extended break, including the weekend, totaling six days of holiday.
In the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has declared that private-sector employees will enjoy a paid holiday from March 30 to April 1, 2025. Should Ramadan conclude on the 30th day, this holiday will be extended to include April 2.
Oman has also made preparations for Eid, announcing that the holiday for both public and private sectors will commence on March 29. If Eid falls on March 30, official work will resume on April 2. However, if Eid begins on March 31, employees will return to work on April 6, providing a potential nine-day holiday when combined with the weekends.
Kuwait's plans are similarly structured; if the first day of Eid is March 30, public sector work will be suspended for three days, resuming on April 2. If Eid starts on March 31, the suspension will extend from March 30 until April 5, with offices reopening on April 6.
In Qatar, the Amiri Diwan has announced that the Eid holiday for ministries and public institutions will begin on March 30 and last until April 7, allowing for an extended period of celebration.
As communities across the Gulf region prepare for Eid al-Fitr, the excitement builds around the moon sighting. The Moon-Sighting Committee in the UAE will convene after Maghrib (sunset) prayers on Saturday evening to confirm the official date for the holiday. This moment is not just a mark of time but a significant religious observance that draws families and friends together in celebration.
In summary, the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations are shrouded in anticipation and hope, with the crescent moon sighting playing a pivotal role in determining the start of the holiday. As Muslims await the sighting, the preparations for the festivities are already underway, promising a time of joy, reflection, and community.
