Will A Solar Eclipse On April 8 Affect Eid Al-Fitr 2024 Moon Sighting In The UAE?
With all the speculation surrounding the exact dates, Bazaar Arabia shares everything we know about the first public and private sector holiday of 2024
Are you planning your outfit and holiday plans for Eid al-Fitr already? There are new updates on when it’s likely to fall.
According to a report by Khaleej Times, which cited a prediction by the chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Wednesday, April 10, is likely to be Eid al-Fitr.
Previously, astronomers had predicted Eid al-Fitr to be a day earlier, on April 9.
Here’s How A Total Solar Eclipse Expected On April 8 Affects Eid Al Fitr Predictions
There will be a total solar eclipse on April 8 when the moon will cover the sun, casting a shadow on Earth. This spectacular astronomical event will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean.
The celestial event affects the Islamic world as the birth of the Shawwal crescent, which marks the end of Ramadan, will coincide with the solar eclipse on April 8, at 10.22pm UAE time, the Emirates Astronomical Association announced.
Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the first day of the month is observed as Eid al-Fitr. The total solar eclipse will influence religious observance and the occurrence of Eid al-Fitr.
Al Jarwan said: “On April 8, Shawwal crescent will be born in concurrence with a total solar eclipse, which means that the moon will not be visible at the western horizon after sunset”.
He added: “The crescent birth before dawn means that it will be visible after sunset on Tuesday, April 9 in most Islamic countries, therefore, Wednesday, April 10 shall mark the first day of Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr 2024”.
When does Ramadan 2024 start in the UAE, KSA and GCC? When will confirmed dates be announced?
Residents and nationals, public and private sector workers have their fingers crossed for a potential extended long weekend in April 2024. For months now, sources have been speculating as to whether or not the UAE will have a nine-day long holiday for Eid al-Fitr 2024.
According to various sources, Ramadan 2024 is expected to start on Monday, March 11, 2024 for many GCC countries including the UAE.
Back in September 2023, the Emirates Astronomical Society, made an announcement noting that the UAE was officially six months away from Ramadan 2024.
“The new crescent for the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal will be born on Friday, September 15 at 5.40 am “UAE time,” and at sunset on the same day, the crescent’s age will be 12:43 hours,” the announcement said. “The crescent will be located above the western horizon at an altitude of 4 degrees and shall set approximately 21 minutes after sunset, therefore Saturday, September 16, will mark the first day of Rabi’ al-Awwal according to astronomical calculations, which means that we are 6 months away from Ramadan.”
The official start date of Ramadan is typically announced when countries’ respective moon sighting committees (which is made up of religious leaders and astronomers) spots the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the Holy Month — meaning an official announcement for the start of Ramadan 2024 won’t be revealed until closer to the dates of March 9th, 2024 or March 10th.
Eid Al Fitr holidays
Various sources have anticipated a full week off work for both the public and private sector in the UAE.
Should this week long holiday take place, as some sources are anticipating, nationals and residents of the UAE can expect to have Monday, April 8th, 2024 through to Friday, April 12th off work — meaning a nine-day long holiday (if you include both weekends) could be in the cards for Eid al-Fitr 2024.
(Not living in the UAE? See full list of anticipated public and private sectors holidays in Saudi Arabia here; Qatar here; and Oman here.)
Will Eid al-Fitr 2024 Actually Be A 9-Day Long Holiday?
Until a public announcement is made in regards to the office private and public sector days off for Eid al-Fitr 2024, post moon sighting, it’s anyone’s guess which days will be Eid al-Ftir 2024 holiday dates (i.e. days off work for both sectors); however, they are likely to fall sometime in the second week of April 2024.
Historically, residents and nationals typically have two to three days off work for Eid al-Fitr 2024, depending on the exact date of the moon sighting. Therefore, a four to five day long weekend is likely, with some sources anticipating up to five days off during the work week.
Anyone who wants to guarantee a full nine days off work should be prepared to request additional leave.
Check back for more details closer to the date or see Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Guide to Ramadan 2024 here.
The Best Iftars and Travel Destinations for Ramadan 2024 and Eid al-Fitr 2024
The Best Iftars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
With Ramadan being only a few weeks away Bazaar Arabia shares our complete list of the best iftars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to keep on hand for 2024; while restaurants and hotels have yet to reveal their offerings for the upcoming holy month, they’re both worth bookmarking for future reference (with Bulgari’s Majlis being one of our favourites.)
Relaxing Escapes during Eid Al-Fitr 2024
Eid Al-Fitr will fall when Ramadan ends and it’s the perfect time for a staycation or holiday. Bazaar Arabia shares our full list of where we’ll be relaxing throughout the Holy Month.
Wondering what to wear to an iftar or suhoor?
One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the Holy Month, is to ensure you have the perfect modest outfits to take you through your social calendar. In anticipation of Ramadan 2024, Bazaar Arabia shares out full guide on how to dress for iftars and suhoors here.
