UAE authorities announced Eid Al Fitr holidays for government workers will begin next Tuesday.
The break will start on Tuesday, May 11, which is the 29th day of Ramadan, and will last until Shawwal 3.
Shawwal 3 is expected to fall on Saturday, May 15, but is dependent on when Eid is called by the moon-sighting committee.
The decision was confirmed by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources on Tuesday.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is considered the feast of fast breaking. Practices vary around the world, but commonly include morning prayers, public holidays, visiting with family and friends, new clothing and henna, gift-giving, and charity donations.
When is Eid Al Fitr and how is the start determined?
The end of the holy month will be confirmed in the same way as the beginning, by a moon-sighting committee tasked with spotting the new crescent moon.
The duration of the holy month is decided by the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months totalling either 354 or 355 days.
That means each month can last either 29 or 30 days.
This year, in the UAE, Ramadan is expected to be on the longer side, at 30 days, according to astronomers.
This would give Eid Al Fitr a likely start date of May 13.
However, an official decision will be announced on the 29th day of Ramadan, on Tuesday, May 11.
