The UAE has officially announced that Eid Al Fitr will begin on Friday, March 20, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening.

The decision was made by the country’s Moon-sighting Committee, confirming that Ramadan will complete 30 days this year before the festive celebrations begin.

30 days of Ramadan

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. As the moon was not sighted, the holy month will run its full course, with Eid commencing the following day.

Public sector holidays

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that public sector employees will observe the Eid break from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22. Work will resume on Monday, March 23.

Private sector holidays

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that private sector employees will begin their Eid holidays on Thursday, March 19, lasting until Sunday, March 22.

Time for celebration

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of a month of fasting, reflection, and community, bringing families and communities together in celebration.

With the official dates confirmed, residents across the UAE can now prepare for the festivities and holiday period.

The UAE has firmly dismissed reports circulating on social media that suggest restrictions on investor funds, calling the claims inaccurate and misleading.

Officials clarified that there are no limits on the movement of capital or on foreign investors’ ability to manage and transfer their money. Authorities stressed that the country remains committed to maintaining an open, business-friendly environment aligned with international standards.

Commitment to investor confidence

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism reiterated that the UAE continues to support the free flow of capital, a key pillar in attracting global investment and ensuring long-term economic stability.

Officials emphasised that policies remain unchanged, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable and transparent destination for businesses and investors.

Dubai reaffirms its position

In a statement shared on X, the Dubai Media Office also rejected the circulating claims, describing them as false. It highlighted that Dubai continues to stand as a leading global hub for business and investment, supported by a strong and resilient economy.

Call for accurate information

Authorities have urged the public and media outlets to rely on official sources when seeking information, warning against the spread of unverified claims online.

The clarification comes as the UAE contåinues to strengthen its position as a global financial and investment centre, built on openness, stability, and investor confidence.

As Eid Al Fitr approaches, the UAE is quietly powering up behind the scenes to make sure supermarket shelves stay full and food reaches homes fresh, safe, and on time.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has announced that all entry points across the country, land, sea, and air, are now operating at full capacity. The goal is simple: keep food flowing smoothly as demand rises during one of the busiest times of the year.

System working around the clock

In the days leading up to Eid, import activity naturally surges. To keep up, authorities have rolled out a proactive plan that includes additional inspection teams, specialised technical staff, and faster clearance systems.

Teams are working 24/7 to inspect and process shipments, ensuring that essential imports like fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat move quickly from ports to markets.

Behind the scenes, a centralised operations system is connecting all border points in real time. This allows different authorities to coordinate instantly, reducing delays and improving efficiency across the supply chain.

Speed without compromise

While speed is a priority, officials stress that food safety remains non-negotiable.

Every shipment goes through strict checks, including:

• Verification of official documents
• Tracking of product origin
• Laboratory testing when required
• Immediate rejection of any non-compliant goods

This means that even with faster processing, quality and safety standards remain firmly in place.

Strong supply numbers already

The scale of operations is significant. Since the start of the year, authorities have processed more than 1,400 livestock consignments, totalling over 441,000 animals. Alongside this, thousands of tonnes of fresh produce have entered the country, helping maintain stable supply levels.

Recent days have seen particularly smooth import operations, with officials confirming that systems are handling the increased Eid demand without disruption.

Markets ready for celebration

For consumers, all of this effort translates into well-stocked stores, fresh food options, and stable availability during the festive period.

Officials describe border entry points as the “first line of defence” not just for protecting food safety, but also for ensuring continuity of supply across the nation.

With fast-track clearance channels, increased manpower, and seamless coordination in place, the UAE is positioning itself to meet holiday demand efficiently—so residents can focus on celebrating Eid without worrying about shortages.