Get Ready: UAE Astronomer Predicts Ramadan and Eid al Fitr Dates for 2024

Mark your calendars as an Emirati astronomer forecasts the commencement of Ramadan in less than three weeks, starting on Monday, March 11, 2024, based on astronomical calculations.

For Eid al Fitr, the holiday spans from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 on the Islamic Calendar (Hijri), likely corresponding to Monday, April 8, to Friday, April 12, on the Gregorian calendar. If accurate, those with a Saturday and Sunday weekend can enjoy a nine-day break, returning to work on Monday, April 15.

However, if the crescent moon sighting doesn’t occur and Ramadan extends to 30 days, Eid al Fitr will be a six-day break from Tuesday, April 9, to Monday, April 15.

Keep in mind that confirmation of these dates in the Gregorian calendar requires the sighting of the moon in a specific phase, so we’ll need to await further announcements from UAE officials closer to the time.