Eid Al Fitr 2025: Key dates, holidays, free parking, prayer times, and how the UAE will celebrate

Dubai: After a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion, the UAE is set to celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Sunday, March 30, 2025, marking the official end of Ramadan, which lasted 29 days this year.

The date of Eid Al Fitr is determined by the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. Months in the Hijri calendar last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon. This year, the crescent of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan, was sighted on the evening of Saturday, March 29.

The Moon-Sighting Committee, formed by the UAE Council for Fatwa, met at the historic Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi and confirmed the sighting. Following this, the Presidential Court issued an official statement declaring Sunday as the first day of Eid Al Fitr 1446 AH.

The UAE government has confirmed that both public and private sector workers will enjoy three days off for Eid:

Work will resume on Wednesday, April 2. These dates mark the first major public holiday of 2025 following New Year’s Day.

Eid Al Fitr, meaning “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar. The day begins with Eid prayers, held shortly after sunrise at mosques and open prayer grounds across the Emirates.

Following prayers, families gather to share festive meals, exchange greetings, and give Zakat Al Fitr, a form of charity offered to those in need, reinforcing the spirit of generosity that defines the holy month.

The Presidential Court  extended warm congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Rulers of the Emirates, as well as to the people of the UAE and Muslims around the world.

Eid Al Fitr prayers will be held shortly after sunrise on Sunday, March 30, across mosques and open prayer grounds in the UAE and the wider GCC.

Here are the confirmed prayer timings for the UAE:

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience for residents and visitors, municipalities across the UAE have announced free public parking during the Eid Al Fitr break in several emirates.

In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that all public parking will be free from Shawwal 1 to 3 , with the exception of multi-level parking facilities. Regular paid parking will resume on 4 Shawwal (Wednesday, April 2).

Meanwhile, Parkin Company will begin implementing its new flexible tariff system for public parking in Dubai starting April 4, introducing peak and off-peak rates across standard and premium parking zones. Peak hours will be charged from 8–10 AM and 4–8 PM, excluding Sundays and public holidays.

In Sharjah, the municipality confirmed that public parking will be free on the first, second, and third days of Eid, except in zones with blue signage, which remain under paid parking regulations even on holidays. Inspection teams will continue monitoring misuse of public parking spaces, urging the public to park responsibly.

Ajman will also offer free parking from 1 to 3 Shawwal, with regular paid parking services resuming on 4 Shawwal.

While the private sector may operate with adjusted hours during the holiday, most government offices, schools, and public institutions will remain closed throughout the official break.

Meanwhile, malls, restaurants, parks, and other public spaces are expected to be bustling, as families take advantage of the time off to travel, gather with loved ones, or enjoy festive events across the country.