The Shawwal crescent that signals the end of Ramadan has not been spotted in the UAE.
The holy month will last the full 30 days, with Tuesday marking the end of Ramadan. Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival, will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10. This gives both public and private sector employees a nine-day break, including the weekends.
The moon-sighting committee of the UAE had urged Muslims to look for the crescent moon. In the Islamic calendar, each month lasts either 29 or 30 days, determined by the sighting of the crescent. Muslims search for the crescent on the 29th day of each month.
With Eid falling on Wednesday, here's what it means for residents regarding holiday duration, free parking, toll timings, and Eid prayer timings.
Longest holiday of the year
The holiday started on Monday, April 8, which was Ramadan 29, and will continue for the entire week. This means all UAE residents will enjoy a nine-day holiday, including the weekends before and after the holiday, from April 6 to 14. They will resume work on Monday, April 15.
Free parking
Dubai: Free parking in Dubai started on Sunday, April 7, which is the regular free parking day of the week. It will remain free until Friday, April 12, providing motorists with six days of free parking. Normal parking fees will resume from Saturday, April 13.
Abu Dhabi: Parking is free in the UAE Capital from Monday, April 8, until Sunday, April 14. Charges will be reinstated from Monday, April 15. With the inclusion of the Sunday before the holiday, this totals eight days of free parking.
Sharjah: Parking will be free from Wednesday, April 10, until Friday, April 12, in all zones except those marked with blue signboards. This equates to three days of free parking. Parking fees will be applicable again from Saturday, April 13.
Toll timings
In Abu Dhabi, motorists will not be charged for passing under the Darb toll gates from Monday, April 8, until Sunday, April 14.
Eid prayer timings
- Dubai: 6.20am
- Sharjah: 6.17am
- Abu Dhabi: 6.22am
- Ajman and Umm Al Quwain: 6.17am
- Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah: 6.15am
News Source: Khaleej Times
