The United Arab Emirates's (UAE) moon sighting committee will begin observing the crescent on March 29, Saturday, and if the crescent is spotted the same evening, Eid holidays will fall on March 30, 31, and April 1, reports said. This means UAE will have holidays for four days from Saturday to Tuesday.
The UAE has already declared the period between March 30, Sunday, and April 1, Tuesday, as Eid Al Fitr holidays for the country's private sector, reports said. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that the paid holidays will apply to all workers across industries in the private sector.
If the holy month of Ramadan concludes in the 30th day, the holiday will be extended to Wednesday, April 2, Khaleej Times quoted the ministry as saying.
If the Moon is not sighted and Ramadan completes 30 days, then March 31 will be the first day of Shawwal -- the tenth month of the Islamic calendar that comes after Ramadan. Then, the Eid holidays will be observed on March 31, April 1, and April 2, giving residents an extended five-day break from Saturday to Wednesday including the weekend.
Middle East media reports claim that Ramadan is likely to complete 30 days and the Eid Al Fitr is expected to give UAE residents a break of five days from work.
A unified holiday policy was implemented in the country to ensure those working in the private sector are not exploited and get to enjoy holiday privileges enjoyed by their counterparts in the government sector.