Eid Al Fitr is a meaningful date in the Muslim world and one of the yearly public holidays in the UAE. Locals usually spend it together with their families and devote time to religious rituals. Travelers should keep in mind the specifics of this occasion when planning their activities. This article will reveal the essence of Eid Al Fitr and share recommendations on how to make the most of it.
What Is Eid Al Fitr?
This date marks the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan. The public holiday can begin at the last day of Ramadan or the next day after it and will last until Shawwal 3. Shawwal is the name of a month in the Islamic calendar.
Eid Al Fitr can be of interest to foreigners because it gives them a chance to admire colorful national traditions. Plus, both travelers and locals can usually benefit from free parking in the streets.
Eid Al Fitr 2025 Public Holiday Dates in the UAE
Normally, Eid Al Fitr takes place at the end of March. However, it's impossible to predict its exact dates in advance, including in 2025. They depend on the duration of Ramadan, which can be either 29 or 30 days. According to the Islamic tradition, the exact number of days in a month is calculated based on moon sighting. Everyone gets to know about it in the last moment.
Let's consider a real-life example of how it can work. Imagine that in the evening of March 29, the religious officials understand whether Ramadan ends on March 29 or March 30. In the former case, Eid Al Fitr will fall on March 30 — and in the latter, on April 1. Based on this information, the government will officially confirm the dates of the UAE public holidays.
What are the main traditions observed during Eid Al-Fitr
The main tradition of Eid Al Fitr is connected with the moment when the religious officials announce the end of Ramadan. Then, the Dubai Police will fire the cannons. The cannons are scattered around the city, so anyone can hear them well. The first fire take place before the prayers — and after the prayers, they will be two more fires. This tradition is rooted in the old times, when clocks were scarce and people relied on cannons to detect time.
How Do Muslims Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr at the End of Ramadan
The UAE residents typically have three or four days off to celebrate this occasion. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, people can relax for three days. If it lasts 30 days, its last day is proclaimed a day off — and then, there will be another three consecutive days off because of Eid Al Fitr. Public sector employees come back to work on Shawwal 4 and most private companies follow this schedule too.
Early in the morning on the initial day of Eid Al Fitr, families go to the mosque or pray at home. Then, they spend the rest of the day at home all together or visit their relatives. Usually, people give and receive gifts and make donations to charity during this period.
How to Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr as a Tourist in the UAE
If you come to Dubai or another part of the UAE at this time of the year, it would be wise to check the local news in advance. It will inform you about the upcoming festive activities and changes to the business hours of the local venues.
Since it's an official holiday, there will be varied fascinating activities around the city. Live music and traditional dance performances are among the most popular examples. Besides, there will be a lot of fireworks. They will be launched from several landmark locations, so it will be easy for you to choose the one that attracts you the most.
If you would like to see the sights in your own or rented car, parking will be likely to be free across the city. The operating hours of public transport, shopping malls, and selected entertainment venues can change. To find out about them, you can visit the official websites of companies or their profiles on social networks.
The rates of Salik toll gate fees can be different from the rest of the year as well. However, it's hard to predict this aspect in advance, so please follow the local news in real time.
Hopefully, the information from this article came in handy for you, and you'll enjoy a memorable Eid Al Fitr 2025!
