March 18, (THEWILL) — Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have declared Friday as Eid Al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
The announcement followed a meeting of the country’s Moon-sighting committee on Wednesday evening. The committee was unable to sight the new crescent moon, leading to the confirmation that Thursday will be observed as the 30th and final day of Ramadan.
Earlier, the UAE Council for Fatwa had called on residents to take part in the traditional moon-sighting exercise by observing the skies, in keeping with Islamic customs.
Eid Al-Fitr, one of the two major festivals in Islam, is typically celebrated with special prayers, family gatherings, exchange of gifts and acts of charity.
However, this year’s celebration comes amid heightened regional tensions, with authorities prioritising public safety. As a result, Eid prayers will be held strictly indoors in mosques, rather than at open prayer grounds.
The directive was issued by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai in coordination with the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah.
In a statement shared via official channels, the authorities urged worshippers to comply with safety guidelines and arrive early for prayers.
“The Authority calls on worshippers to adhere to the guidelines and arrive early to perform the Eid prayer in mosques to ensure their safety”, the statement said.
Despite the security concerns, officials emphasised the importance of preserving the spirit of Eid, which centres on unity, gratitude and generosity among Muslims.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
