When is Eid in Pakistan, UAE, and GCC Countries?
The Eid Al Fitr celebrations are expected to begin on March 31 in Pakistan, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries also observing the holiday around the same time, depending on the moon sighting, and the festivities will last for several days, allowing people to come together with family and friends to mark the occasion.
Eid Al Fitr holidays have been declared in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, with exact dates depending on moon sightings, while Pakistan announces a three-day public holiday from March 31 to April 2.
The UAE's Fatwa Council has urged Muslims to sight the Shawwal crescent on Saturday, March 29, marking the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr. However, astronomical calculations indicate that the moon will set before sunset on March 29, making it impossible to sight the crescent, and Ramadan is expected to last 30 days. In the UAE, the Eid Al Fitr holidays will begin on Sunday, March 30, and extend to Tuesday, April 1, with a possible extension to Wednesday, April 2, if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
Other GCC countries have also announced their holiday plans, with Saudi Arabia declaring a four-day holiday for both public and private sectors starting on Saturday, March 29. Oman's holiday dates are yet to be determined, while Kuwait has confirmed a three-to-five-day Eid Al Fitr holiday, depending on the moon sighting. Qatar has announced an 11-day holiday for ministries, government agencies, and public institutions starting on Sunday, March 30, and ending on Monday, April 7.
In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on March 30 to sight the moon of Shawwal, and the government has announced a three-day public holiday from March 31 to April 2 to enable citizens to observe the occasion. The Pakistan government's decision is based on predictions by SUPARCO, which forecasts low visibility in Saudi Arabia and suggests the moon will be visible on March 30, making Eidul Fitr likely to be celebrated on March 31.
The announcements reflect the region's coordinated efforts to ensure that public and private sector employees can celebrate Eid Al Fitr while adhering to traditional moon-sighting practices across the GCC countries and Pakistan.