Local news stories have revealed that Eid Al Fitr is likely to fall on Monday July, 28.
While there is yet to be an official announcement in the UAE, Kuwait has reportedly announced workers in the public sector will have a five-day holiday from July 27 to July 31.
According to Emirates 24/7 “Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chief Supervisor of the Sharjah Planetarium, has been quoted as saying that calculations show that Sunday, July 27, will see the formation of the Shawwal moon at 2.42am. The sun will set at 7.07pm on the day, with the moon setting time will be 7.14pm. This means that Monday, July 28, will possibly be the first day of Eid Al Fitr (first day of Shawwal).”
If Eid Al Fitr is declared on Monday then the public sector (government, banks etc) will have a five-day holiday, which could go up to nine days if consecutive days, including two weekends, are given off. Holidays for the private sector are yet to be revealed.
Unlike last year, the region’s shopping malls will not be opening for 24 hours during the Eid Al Fitr celebrations. Last year’s incentive coincided with Dubai’s Shopping Festival.
However, it is believed that the UAE’s tourism will boom if a long weekend is granted with families and couples making the most of the luxurious staycation destinations on their doorstep.
Image: Reflections on Ramadan Typographic Mosque by Afra Al Suwaidi
