Eid Al-Fitr Dates For 2023 Confirmed By UAE Astronomer

The first day of Eid Al Fitr is likely to fall on April 21, according to the Emirates Astronomical Society.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the society's board of directors said the first day of Eid Al Fitr or the "Festival of Breaking of the Fast" will occur on April 21 to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

"Ramadan's full moon will be on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 8.36 a.m., while the crescent of the moon of Shawwal will be born on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 8.13 a.m., and will set 22 minutes after sunset," Al-Jarwan said, as per Al Arabiya.

While the government is yet to make an official announcement, if authorities agree to the dates, UAE citizens and residents will enjoy a four-day weekend including Friday, April 21, and Monday, April 24. It will be a long holiday for those who spend Saturday and Sunday as typical weekends.

Occurring on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world observe a period of fasting between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan began on the evening of March 22.

Apart from Eid Al Fitr, there are other public holidays in the UAE approved by the Cabinet for both private and public sectors.

Here is a list of upcoming UAE holidays compiled by Time Out Dubai:

Arafat Day is the second day of the week-long Hajj pilgrimage and is scheduled to take place on June 27.

Immediately following Arafat Day is Eid al Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice which is slated between June 28-30. Eid Al Adha is one of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar. Tradition says that Eid al Adha is held to honor Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael after receiving instruction from God. Recognizing his obedience, God intervened and sent a sheep to take his son's place in the sacrifice.

Hijri New Year or the Islamic New Year which is slated on July 21, Friday. Another long weekend will be seen on September 29 for Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday.

There will be three public holidays in the month of December in the UAE. These holidays include December 1, Friday for Commemoration Day, followed by National Day on December 2 and 3.