As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that the Shawwal crescent, signaling the end of Ramadan, has not been sighted. Consequently, Ramadan will span the full 30 days, with Tuesday marking the final day of fasting. Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival, is set to commence on Wednesday, April 10, bringing with it a nine-day break for public and private sector employees, including weekends.

The moon-sighting committee in the UAE had urged Muslims across the nation to scan the skies for the crescent. In the Islamic Hijri calendar, each month lasts either 29 or 30 days, with the sighting of the crescent determining the transition from one month to the next. This practice involves Muslims searching for the crescent on the 29th day of each month.

With Eid Al Fitr falling on Wednesday, here’s a breakdown of what residents can expect in terms of holiday duration, free parking and toll timings, and Eid prayer schedules.

Longest Holiday of the Year The holiday period commenced on Monday, April 8 (Ramadan 29), extending for a full week. This inclusive of the weekends preceding and following the holiday, results in a nine-day holiday for all UAE residents, from April 6 to 14. Normal work schedules will resume on Monday, April 15.

Free Parking

• Dubai: Free parking in Dubai commenced on Sunday, April 7, the regular pay-free day of the week. It will remain free until Friday, April 12, granting motorists six days of complimentary parking. Regular tariff rates will resume from Saturday, April 13.
• Abu Dhabi: Parking in the UAE Capital is free from Monday, April 8, to Sunday, April 14. Fees will be reinstated from Monday, April 15. Including the Sunday preceding the holiday, this totals eight days of free parking.
• Sharjah: Parking is free from Wednesday, April 10, to Friday, April 12, in all zones except those designated with blue signboards. This equates to three days of complimentary parking, with charges resuming on Saturday, April 13.

Toll Timings In Abu Dhabi, passage through the Darb toll gates is free from Monday, April 8, to 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