Eid Al Fitr 2023 In Dubai UAE – Dates, Rules, And All You Need To Know!

The “holiday of breaking the fast” is one of the two official celebrations in Islam. According to Islamic principles, Muslims are blessed to have two important festivities that are Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.

Among these, Eid al Fitr comes first every year at the beginning of the blessed month of Safar right after Ramadan, the month of fasting. The latter is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dhu al Hijjah, following the Hajj sermon. 

Muslims all over the world celebrate these special days by engaging in prayer, exchanging greetings, preparing special feasts, and thanking the Almighty for the blessing he has cherished over the whole of humanity. 

Just like any Islamic country, Dubai also gives priority to eid celebrations. Here, everyone prepares themselves to welcome eid, including hotels and restaurants, and authorities all over the city. Read this article to know more details about Eid Al Fitr.

History Of Eid Al Fitr

The very first Eid Al Fitr celebration was held in 624 AD, in Madina after the Islamic victory in the battle of Badr. Going through Islamic history, you can see the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) initiated this celebration after hijrah (his migration from Mecca to Madina).

Since the first revelation of the holy Quran or the verses from Allah to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) had begun in the ninth month of Ramadan, it is considered the most sacred month of the whole year.

So, during Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and engage in prayers while spending much on charity to cleanse their soul and wealth. After 30 days of sacrificing food, and drinks and leaving intentional thoughts behind, the day of Eid al Fitr is approached on the first day of the tenth month, Shawwal. 

When Was Last Year’s Eid Al Fitr?

Considering the Islamic lunar calendar, the last Eid al Fitr was celebrated on May 2, Monday. Since Eid al Fitr begins right at the end of Ramadan, on its last day, it began in the evening of May 1 Sunday and ended in the evening of the next day.

The day of Eid is detected by the appearance of a new moon, which indicates the birth of the new month Shawwal. As the new moon appears on either the 29th day or the 30th day of Ramadan, the day of Eid or Shawwal 1st cannot be predicted earlier.

This is why Muslims all over the world await the appearance of the crescent new moon on these respective evenings. Anyway, Last year, the new moon symbolizing the beginning of Shawwal appeared earlier, so there were only 29 days in Ramadan. 

Expected Dates Of Eid Al Fitr 2023 In Dubai

As the exact day of Eid is impossible to predict earlier, you can only look for the possibilities. Since the Islamic calendar gives great importance to new moons to determine the beginning of months, the dates for Ramadan and Eid marked in the regular English calendar may vary.

In simple words, the Islamic lunar calendar relies on the sighting of the crescent moon to determine the beginning of the Arabic months. This is why the dates of the first day of Ramadan, as that of Eid ul Fitr, cannot be detected previously.     

So, according to the possibilities, in the coming year of 2023, the Holy month of Ramadan is likely to begin either on the 22nd or 23rd of March. On account of this, you can expect Eid al Fitr between the dates of April 21-23. 

How was Official Announcement Made In Dubai For Eid Al Fitr?

Both the dates of Ramadan and Eid al Fitr are declared by the moon sighting committee in the UAE. This committee comes under the UAE government and convenes every year to confirm the official dates. The committee also requests the residents every year to report the earliest in court if anyone witnesses the crescent. 

Once the date of Eid al Fitr is confirmed, the authority will declare it through the media as the earliest. At the same time, there are various ways in which the confirmation of the Eid date is announced to the locals. Once the moon’s sight is confirmed, people will begin to chant the praise of Allah or the takbirs all over the country, especially in masjids. 

Is Eid Al Fitr In Dubai A Public Holiday?

Eid is indeed one of the greatest holidays in Dubai. On the occasion of Eid al Fitr, there would be a week-long holiday for all federal government and private entities across the country. These holidays will begin on the 29th of Ramadan and will last until the 3rd of Shawwal. 

How Is Eid Al Fitr Celebrated In Dubai?

The day of Eid is celebrated all across the world by Muslims right after the date is confirmed. The day will be filled with joy and peace and Muslims observe prayers and visit their friends and family. The other important parts of the celebration include repeating the expression of Takbir (praise of god), exchanging gifts and blessings, and giving charity. 

The majority of the Residents in UAE are Muslims and they also follow the same rituals and routines. The day of Eid begins with the Eid ghusl (complete ablution or the ritual bath) before the celebrations. Most significantly, they gather on special prayer grounds (Eid Gah) to perform the eid salah (prayer).

The salah is followed by a religious speech called khutbah with which the messages on peace, piety, and fear of God are reminded. Leaving the prayer ground, Muslims bring in harmony and bliss by greeting one another, visiting family, and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the special feast together. 

In UAE the most awaited Eid days are public holidays for all sectors. During these days, residents often spend quality time with their friends and family strengthening the bonds. There are many activities organized by the authority as well as families. People also travel out of town during the holidays, but within the emirates itself, there are many existing things to explore, including the fireworks display.

Prayer Timings

Eid Prayer or the salah is performed after the mandatory morning prayer fajr. The timing for Eid salah begins  15-20 minutes after sunrise and lasts until ‘zawal’ or 10-15 minutes before dhuhr (the mandatory noon prayer).  

What Is Salat Al Eid?

The salat al eid refers to the two units of Eid prayer that are performed both on the days of Eid al Fitr as well as Eid al Adha. This holy prayer is traditionally offered in an open space by Muslims unitedly, but not on masjids, except when it is raining or the weather is not favorable. The timing for the eid salah begins after 10-15 minutes after sunrise and lasts up to 10-15 minutes before noon. 

What Is Zakat Al Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr, or the ‘Zakat of Breaking the Fast of Ramadan’ is one of the obligatory alms paid by all Muslims by the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is paid by the head of each household for all members of the family, but it has to be given before the eid prayer.

This mandatory alms is about the price of one meal and is given to leave no one starving on the day of eid. However, despite zakat al Fitr, Muslims give more on charity (swadaka) throughout the entire Ramadan along with fasting. 

How Is Eid Al Fitr Known As The “Festival Of Breaking Fast”?

Since Eid al Fitr comes right after the month of fasting and the segregation of worldly pleasures, it is often considered the festival of breaking the Fast. Muslims consider Eid al Fitr as a blessing from Allah after a month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting. 

Where Do We Offer Eid Prayer In Dubai?

Muslims are suggested to perform the salah in open spaces, but not in masjids, unlike other mandatory and supererogatory prayers. However, unless the weather is favorable, it is rarely observed in masjids. But as normally the Eid prayer is performed in open spaces, right after the crescent is visible these areas are prepared for the next day’s gathering.

Things You Should Do In Dubai During Eid Al Fitr

If you are in Dubai during the season of Eid al Fitr, there is a lot to explore to make the occasion memorable. The natives in Dubai after offering the special eid prayer and enjoying the feast, they will all be set for shopping and visiting places like parks, along with their families. Here are a few things you should try while in Dubai before the Eid holidays end. 

Have A Visit To The Museum Of Moon

The OliOli’s Lunar Museum allows both children and adults to play astronauts by providing real-life and detailed imagery of the moon through pictures taken by NASA of the lunar surface. One of the important attractions of this moon museum is the five-meter accurate replica of the whole moon. 

Desert Camping 

To get the best Dubai desert safari experience during Eid, you can prebook for an overnight desert camp. The cottages will be air-conditioned and added with individual sleep bags and blankets for travelers. These desert camps will be filled with fun since the packages come along with campfires, BBQ dinners, dance performances, breakfast, etc. 

Downtown Dubai 

It is a large-scale mixed-use complex in Dubai which includes the skyscraper, Burj Khalifa. Here you can explore the special Dubai fountain show, shop at the Dubai mall, and visit the Burj park, Dubai aquarium, underwater zoo, and much more. 

IMG World Of Adventure 

This is an indoor amusement park in Dubai, which is the first mega-themed entertainment destination. It is one of the best places where you can spend your Eid holidays with the amazing rides of this theme park, and watch a  movie at the Novo cinemas. Besides, there are also many other interesting zones of the park to explore. 

Dubai Opera

The Dubai Opera is a 2,000-seat, multi-format, performing arts center, which is located within The Opera District in Downtown Dubai. It hosts a variety of live performances, concerts, and events. Here you can experience live entertainment shows and relax your mind. 

Ski Dubai

It is an indoor resort with a huge indoor ski area of over 22,500 square meters. Here you can experience polar life since it maintains a temperature of 1-2 degrees Celsius. Just like the name suggests, you can ski, try the tube and chairlift rides or engage in various fun activities in this icy area which is located in the mall of emirates. 

The View At The Palm Jumeirah 

The palm tree-shaped island of Jumeirah is best known for its glitzy hotels, posh apartment towers, and upmarket global restaurants. Here you can have mesmerizing panoramic views of the entire island, which is a must-try if you are in Dubai during the upcoming Eid al Fitr holidays. 

Are There Any Changes In The Rta Services During Eid Al Fitr?

As you can guess, Dubai roads during the Eid holidays are immensely rushy, especially the roads leading to the airport. To control heavy traffic, the Road Transport Authority (RTA) along with its crisis management team discuss with each other to be prepared with operational plans for effective traffic management every year.

So, often travelers are given certain suggestions to avoid the rush and delay. Regarding the changes in RTA’s different services in Customer Happiness Centers, paid parking zones, public buses, Dubai Metro and Tram, marine transit means, and technical testing centers are going to be announced accordingly by the end of the upcoming Ramadan.

The Customer Service Centers will be off duty during the Eid Al Fitr holiday. At the same time, all paid parking zones in Dubai Emirate are available free of any charge every year. 

Why Should You Spend Eid In Dubai?

If you want to experience something different in the next Eid al-Fitr holiday, Dubai is the finest destination you can choose. Here you can learn the real spirit of Eid, rituals, celebrations, and traditions. At the same time, this is the best time of the year when you can enjoy the traditional feast and try signature dishes.

Some of the delicacies include ouzi, machboos, and luquaimat. Since Eid is filled with all the buzz and entertainment, the city malls and other spots often arrange many spectacular adventures and fun things. 

Since exchanging gifts is the greatest part of Eid celebrations, the malls and markets in the city will bring up bargain sales and discounts in prices. So, this is also the best time you can purchase big brand products, and traditional wear, and also go for the seasonal collections. 

When we are around six months away from Eid al Fitr, preparations to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan and the Eid of breaking the fast are about to begin in Dubai. Even if the dates are not previously confirmed, you can expect Eid al Fitr in the third week of April 2023, and as usual, there will be a five-day break for everyone on the occasion.

There are some attractions associated with Eid in Dubai that both natives and migrants never miss out on which include the special Eid prayer, the feast, and the exchange of gifts as well as the exciting and engaging activities that are to be arranged in every nook and corner of the city. In general, the festivity is welcomed with the spirit of sacrifice and religion along with celebrations, and entertainment. 

 Frequently Asked Questions