Ramadan seems to be flying by as Eid Al Fitr dates and holidays have just been announced! The exact dates are yet to be confirmed since they depend on the sighting of the new moon, but the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has announced that we can all look forward to a three-day public holiday which is expected to begin on 22nd May, which falls on a Friday and will either end on Tuesday 26th May or the following day on the 27th .
MOHRE tweeted the announcement with the caption, “#MOHRE announced the dates between 29 Ramadan and 3 Shawwal 1441 (Hijri) to be a paid holiday for all employees working in the private sector in the UAE on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr”
Public and private sector employees will be granted the same holiday schedule to ring in Eid Al Fitr.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still being a threat to the public, staying at home and celebrating in small close family groups of less than 5 people may be the status quo for the religious holiday.
Stay-at-home restrictions within the UAE are slowly easing with parks, malls, restaurants and some private beaches looking to reopen whilst adhering to strict social distancing rules and guidelines.
Due to the pandemic, Ramadan has been a somewhat subdued one for many Muslims for whom this time of year is spent with family and friends, as many have been self-isolating in order to protect themselves and loved ones from the risk of contracting the virus. Ramadan prayers have been carried out at home as mosques have remained closed and iftar tents were not in operation for the festive month. The spirit of Ramdan has not been lost this year however, as many people and small families took this time to embrace quality time and practice self-care with one another and alone.
