Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has issued a decree that provides a paid public holiday from Saturday, March 29, to Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This holiday is for employees of ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and state-owned enterprises in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Holiday period extension details
The decree also outlines that if the official sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon confirms that Monday, March 31, 2025, marks the first day of Shawwal 1446 AH, the holiday period will be extended until Wednesday, April 2, 2025. According to astronomical calculations, Eid al-Fitr is expected to occur on Sunday, March 30, in Egypt and other Arab nations. However, Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta will officially verify the start date of Shawwal based on the crescent sighting following the Maghrib prayer on Tuesday. The Ministry of Labour is anticipated to announce the Eid al-Fitr holiday for private-sector employees.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, lasting either 354 or 355 days. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy Muslims, although exemptions exist for young children, sick individuals, travelers, and pregnant women.
Ramadan, regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, serves as a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion. Millions around the globe observe this sacred period by fasting from dawn until sunset. This time commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and highlights the importance of prayer, charity, and the deepening of faith.
