Date Confirmed For Eid Al Fitr Moon-sighting Committee Meeting In UAE

Islamic countries around the world – including the UAE – are expected to sight the crescent Moon on Thursday April 20, according to the International Astronomy Centre, where scholars believe the Shawwal Moon will be sighted that day.

If this happens, it will mark the end of Ramadan and the Eid al Fitr four-day weekend will begin.

An International Astronomy Centre Twitter post reads: “Islamic countries are expected to sight the crescent of Shawwal on Thursday April 20.

“Sighting the crescent on that day might not be possible with the naked eye or with a telescope from all over Asia and Australia, while there is a possibility that it can be sighted from parts of the Islamic world.

“In such circumstances, most Islamic countries might announce the start of the month on the next day, and accordingly, many countries are expected to announce Friday April 21 as the first day of Eid al Fitr.”

The official Eid al Fitr dates, as per the Hijri Calendar, are from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3.

This would result in an expected four-day weekend in the UAE – which would take place on April 20, 21, 22 and 23.

That’s because, under these predicted dates, Thursday April 20 would be Ramadan 29 and Sunday April 23 would be Shawwal 3.

Confirmed dates will only be announced in Dubai based on relevant Moon sightings, but it doesn’t harm to plan in advance.

Following Eid al Fitr is Arafat Day, the second day of the week-long Hajj pilgrimage, expected to occur on June 27.

Subsequently, Eid al Adha is predicted to be marked on June 28, 29 and 30.