The United Arab Emirates is gearing up for two significant events that promise to impact both its cultural and financial landscape. As the nation prepares to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the UAE Council for Fatwa has called upon residents to observe the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025. This moon sighting marks the transition from Ramadan to Eid Al Fitr, a time of celebration and community.
In addition to the festive preparations, the UAE has also made strides in modernizing its currency. On March 27, 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) unveiled a new symbol for the Dirham, representing a significant step in the evolution of the nation's financial identity.
The moon sighting is a cherished tradition in the UAE, with the crescent moon signifying the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. If the moon is sighted on March 29, Eid Al Fitr will commence with a four-day public holiday extending until April 2. However, should Ramadan conclude a day later, on March 30, the holiday will extend to five days, lasting until April 3.
In the Islamic calendar, March 29, 2025, marks the 29th day of Ramadan. Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, is anticipated to begin on March 31, based on astronomical predictions. Each month in the Hijri calendar can vary between 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon's visibility. Factors such as poor weather conditions can hinder moon sightings, making the precise start of Shawwal uncertain until the crescent is confirmed.
The UAE's call for moon sightings comes amid a series of announcements regarding public holidays. On March 17, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources declared that public sector workers would enjoy a holiday from March 30 to April 1, with an additional day off on April 2 if Ramadan lasts a full 30 days. Similarly, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on March 18 that private sector employees would receive the same time off, ensuring that the entire workforce can partake in the celebrations.
As the nation prepares for Eid, the unveiling of the new Dirham symbol adds another layer to the UAE's identity. The CBUAE has introduced a stylized "D" with two horizontal lines through it, establishing a standard representation of the Dirham, akin to how the US dollar is represented by "$" and the British pound by "£." This new symbol is inspired by the UAE flag and reflects the country’s aspirations for financial stability and recognition on the global stage.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, expressed pride in the new symbol, stating, "We are proud to unveil today the new symbol for the UAE’s national currency the 'Dirham' in both its physical and digital forms, and the design of the Digital Dirham wallet. This reflects the significant advancements in the implementation of the Digital Dirham programme and a leap towards realizing the CBUAE’s vision."
The digital version of the Dirham is set to be launched in the last quarter of 2025, incorporating blockchain technology to facilitate cross-border payments, money transfers, and withdrawals. This move positions the UAE as a forward-thinking financial hub, ready to embrace the digital economy.
Earlier this week, the UAE also revealed a new design for its Dhs100 banknote, which symbolizes the country’s past, present, and future. This initiative aligns with the recent introduction of a symbol for the Saudi Riyal, showcasing the region's commitment to modernizing its financial systems.
The dual focus on cultural and financial developments highlights the UAE's dedication to fostering a vibrant society while ensuring economic growth. As residents prepare to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the introduction of the new Dirham symbol adds a contemporary twist to the nation’s identity, bridging tradition and innovation.
In conclusion, the UAE is poised for a transformative period as it honors its cultural heritage through the celebration of Eid Al Fitr while simultaneously stepping into the future with the modernization of its currency. With the community coming together to observe the crescent moon and the financial sector adapting to new technologies, the UAE exemplifies a nation that values both its traditions and its aspirations for progress.
