Eid Al Fitr 2024: First Day Of Festival Announced In UAE And Saudi Arabia

The UAE has officially declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. This announcement by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee places the last day of Ramadan on Tuesday, April 9. The determination comes after efforts to sight the Shawwal month crescent on Monday evening were unsuccessful.

Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Committee, elaborated that despite exhaustive Shariah methods of sighting the crescent and engaging with neighbouring countries, the crescent for Shawwal could not be observed. As a result, the committee has confirmed that Tuesday, April 9, will serve as the final day of Ramadan for the year 1445 Hijri, with Eid Al Fitr commencing the following day.

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The confirmation of Eid Al Fitr's commencement was paralleled by an announcement from Saudi Arabia, which also determined Wednesday, April 10, as the start of Eid celebrations after the crescent moon was not sighted. This synchronicity follows Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court’s request for the sighting of the crescent moon on the 29th of Ramadan, aligning with Monday, April 8, 2024, on the Gregorian calendar.

In the UAE, the private sector is set to enjoy a nine-day break in celebration of Eid Al Fitr 2024, a decision made shortly after the moon sighting committee's announcement on the evening of Monday, April 8. This follows a similar, though shorter, four-day holiday announcement for public and private sector employees in Saudi Arabia by the Kingdom's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. With Friday and Saturday as the official weekend days in Saudi, residents are looking forward to a six-day weekend, resuming work on Sunday, April 14.

Eid Al Fitr is celebrated by Muslims around the world as a time of joy and gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a time for family, charitable giving, and community celebrations. The synchronized declaration of Eid’s commencement by the UAE and Saudi Arabia underscores the shared cultural and religious heritage of the Gulf region.