The Eid Al Fitr holidays for federal ministries and authorities in the UAE will begin from Thursday  (29th Ramadan 1436) July 16 and end on the 4th of the month of Shawwal.

If you have recently moved to Dubai this may be your first Ramadan and now first Eid so you may be asking the question “what is Eid al Fitr?”

Eid al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the month in which Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset. Eid al Fitr is a time for special prayers, a time for reflection, to congratulate each other, exchange gifts and donate Zakat al Fitr (charity donation). After prayers the day is typically spent visiting friends and family and enjoying time together.  Just like many other religious festivities throughout the world homes are cleaned, much cooking is undertaken and new outfits are bought for this special celebration.  

In Dubai, Eid is declared after the official sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Ramadan.  A Public holiday is then declared and offices will be shut for a few days. Many residents take advantage of this short holiday to get away on vacation.  In Dubai celebrations usually include spectacular firework displays throughout the city.
Remember the greeting during Eid is Eid Mubarak.
There is another Eid called Eid al Adha which will take place around the 23rd of September 2015

On this occasion, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources conveyed greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.