Start planning your long weekend.

UAE residents, Ramadan has crossed its halfway mark, which means it’s only a matter of time before we’re celebrating Eid al-Fitr. And if you haven’t planned your holidays yet, there’s still time. A long weekend is likely to grace residents. And now the UAE government has announced a holiday date for public and private sector employees.

The UAE government always announces its Eid break from 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal. However, this year, holidays will start on 1 Shawwal, going up to 3 Shawwal, with people returning to work on 4 Shawwal. However, if Ramadan lasts for 30 days, then 30 Ramadan will also be counted as a holiday.

Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on Sunday, 30 March, if Ramadan lasts 29 days. This means that the long weekend will last until Tuesday, 1 April, with employees returning to work on Wednesday, 2 April – granting a total of four days of holidays.

However, if the Holy Month lasts for 30 days, Eid is likely to be on Monday, 31 March. This means employees will return to work on Thursday, 3 April, marking a five-day long weekend.

Last year, residents got a nine-day-long Eid al-Fitr break. Taking to the social media platform X, the UAE Media Office shared: “UAE Cabinet has mandated a one-week Eid Al Fitr holiday for the federal government.”

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal. It’s a celebratory period for Muslims around the world as they gather with their loved ones to exchange pleasantries, gifts and indulge in a selection of desserts. The UAE lights up during this festive period with plenty on offer across the emirates. Expect a variety of cultural shows, musical performances and much more to happen across the country.

So what are you waiting for? If you haven’t booked your flights or those staycations, now’s the time.

GO: Visit https://u.ae for more information.