Eid-al-Fitr will fall on May 24, 2020 this year. Eid is usually declared after 30 days of fasting following the start of Ramadan but it depends on the sighting of the Eid moon.
This year, Ramadan began the night of May 23, 2020 so by that calculation Eid should start on May 24, 2020.
Which means that expats and residents in the UAE will be able to enjoy a three day holiday. With Eid set to fall on Sunday, May 24, this could see the weekend extended from Friday, May 22 to Sunday night.
The final dates for Eid al-Fitr however will be issued by the UAE government closer to the end of Ramadan.
This year, Ramadan has been celebrated a bit differently around the world because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Emirates Fatwa Council has issued five fatwas related to fasting, prayers and alms-giving during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Frontline medical workers are permitted to not fast while on duty if they believe fasting could lead to weak immune system or hinder their jobs as medical professionals.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and the holy month for Muslims who believe it is when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
Traditionally, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia observe Eid on the same dates – while Oman calls Ramadan independently of the rest of the Arabian Gulf.
