With the start of Ramadan in the UAE, attention has turned to Eid al-Fitr, with a possible four-day public holiday in March depending on the appearance of the new moon of Shawal.
Fasting begins, countdown to Eid begins
Fasting began across the UAE on February 18, marking the start of Ramadan 2026. The holy month will last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.The calendar has taken center stage as residents adjust to adjusted work hours and quieter nights. The key date is March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan, when the official moon viewing committee will meet to determine whether Shawwal has begun.This decision will affect the length of the Eid holiday.
What does the official calendar say?
According to the UAE’s official public holiday calendar, Eid al-Fitr falls between the 1st and 3rd of the month of Shawwar. This leave is non-transferable and applies nationwide.Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected to fall between Friday, March 20 and Sunday, March 22. However, the exact start date depends entirely on whether the Chauval crescent is visible on March 18.Dubai’s Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities has listed March 20 to March 22 as the expected Eid al-Fitr time in 2026, to be confirmed.If the new moon is seen on March 18, Eid-ul-Fitr will be declared on the next day, March 19. Under this scenario, residents will enjoy a four-day holiday between March 19 and March 22, with Sundays coinciding with the usual weekends in the UAE.If the moon is not visible on March 18, Ramadan will end for 30 days and Eid al-Fitr will begin on Friday, March 20. This situation will result in three days of rest.However, the UAE Cabinet resolution stipulates that if Ramadan reaches 30 days, the 30th day of Ramadan will be regarded as an official holiday and added to the Eid al-Fitr holiday. This effectively guarantees a long weekend at the end of the month, regardless of whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Why does the date change every year?
The Hijri calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the Islamic months advance each year relative to the solar calendar.In 2026, the shift places Eid al-Fitr in the third week of March. For now, the focus remains on March 18, when the appearance of the elongated crescent moon will determine how long the UAE pauses at the end of Ramadan.
