Dubai: Eid Al Fitr is likely to begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025, based on astronomical calculations, the Al Ojairi Scientific Center in Kuwait announced on Saturday. The Center stated that the crescent moon will rise at 1:57pm on Ramadan 29 (March 29) and will remain visible in Kuwait’s sky for only eight minutes after sunset, making it highly unlikely to be seen with the naked eye.
In some Southeast Asian Islamic cities, the moon is expected to set before the sun, ruling out visibility altogether.
While the Center’s forecast is based on scientific data, the official decision on the start of Shawwal — the month that begins with Eid — rests with the Sharia Moon Sighting Authority, which has the religious mandate to declare the beginning of Eid.
Moon visibility will vary across Arab and Islamic countries, ranging between four to twenty minutes, depending on location, the Center added.
The announcement comes as Kuwait prepares for the Eid holidays, which traditionally lasts three days. The government has outlined two possible holiday schedules:
\- If Eid begins on March 30, public sector workers will observe a three-day break, returning to work on Wednesday, April 2.
\- If Eid starts on Monday, March 31, the holiday will extend to five days, with work resuming on Sunday, April 6.
Institutions providing essential services will determine their holiday schedules in coordination with relevant authorities.
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