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Eid al-Fitr is a special day among families and friends throughout the Islamic world. This two-to-three-day festival takes place immediately following the end of the month of Ramadan and is the most significant and joyous observance of the Islamic faith.
In essence, Eid al-Fitr presents the faithful with the opportunity to thank God for having been granted the strength and conviction to complete the obligatory fast and obey His commandments during the holy month of Ramadan. By having done so, Muslims rejoice in returning to a state of fitra (innocence/purity), having been pardoned of all their transgressions, thus starting life anew.
As we prepare to welcome the holiest of months, here are the dates, public holidays and observances in welcoming and celebrating Eid al-Fitr 2023 in the UAE.
Eid Mubarak!
Eid al-Fitr 2023 dates in UAE
Determining the date of the Eid al-Fitr depends on the sighting of the crescent moon (a day after the new moon). As such, the process of determining the date of the Eid al-Fitr can only be performed under the cover of night. Should the crescent moon not be spotted, Ramadan continues for another day.
Should Ramadan fall on 23 March, which is a Thursday, the 30-day annual fast would end on 22 April, a Saturday, and Eid-ul-Fitr would begin the same day. Official dates for the Holy month are announced by a moon-sighting committee closer to the time.
Eid al-Fitr 2023 UAE holidays
In April, residents can look forward to a four-day holiday starting April 21, 22, 23 and 24 on account of Eid Al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr in the UAE
Celebrations
© albayan.ae
In the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr, Emirati housewives dusted and cleaned their houses. The day begins early with morning prayers, either at home or at a nearby mosque. At lunchtime, the Arabs feast on traditional dishes such as ouzi, chicken machboos, and desserts like luqaimat.
In the past, on the first day of Eid, Bedouin men would shoot their guns in the air as an expression of joy, and this tradition is still carried on in some parts of the country. Men also perform popular traditional dances, including Al Razfah.
Al-Razfah dance © Abu Dhabi Culture
Giving gifts and donations is also an indivisible part of the festival. For those looking to acquire gifts for their loved ones, Emiratis are accustomed to taking advantage of the Eid offers as they become available. Eid gift-giving is a tried and true tradition between Emirati families and friends as a sign of affection. Children are also given sweets, gifts or money as a token. It is also customary to give zakat al-Fitr to the needy so that everyone can celebrate the festival with gaiety.
The Emirati children celebrate Hagg Al-Layla where they dress in their best clothes and go around their neighbours’ houses to recite songs and poems. In return, the neighbours reward them with various sweets and nuts that they will put in their traditional cloth bags.
© Gulf News
As mandated by the Islamic faith, the Zakat al Fitr (Fitrana) must be completed prior to the morning Eid prayer. Those with the financial means of doing so must donate either money or items such as rice, barley, dates and other similar provisions. This mandatory donation must be distributed to the poor prior to the celebrations to ensure that all souls are able to enjoy a joyous holiday. For the year 2022, the amount of Fitrana in the UAE has been set to AED 20 per person.
Eid guidelines 2023
© alarabiya.net
While the Eid holidays are synonymous with togetherness and merry-making, in light of the pandemic, the authorities have yet to issue any official COVID-19 safety guidelines.
As of now, there has been remission for the COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as the wearing of masks is only mandatory in medical facilities and centres for people with disabilities, and it is optional for all other open and closed facilities and spaces.
For those looking to travel for Eid, it is now possible for non-vaccinated to travel out of the UAE with a negative PCR test result issued within 48 hours of boarding the plane. If you would like some recommendations on Eid flights and destinations, please check out our article below:
