UAE, Saudi Arabia announce first day of Eid Al Fitr

The first day of Eid Al Fitr has been announced in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Monday, July 28, will be the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the three-day festival to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

The UAE moonsighting commitee said Sunday, July 27, was the final day of Ramadan, making Monday the first day of Shawal.

''After exhausting all legitimate methods and making contacts with neighbouring countries, the Shawwal moon was sighted and therefore Sunday, 27 July, is the completion day of Ramadan and Monday 28 July, is 1 Shawwal 1435, the first day of Eid Al Fitr," state news agency WAM quoted Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Committee, as saying.

Islamic months can last 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar calendar.

EID PRAYER TIMES

Here are the prayer times for the UAE.

• Abu Dhabi: 6:09 am

• Dubai: 6:05am

• Sharjah: 6:08 am

• Ajman: 6:08 am

• Umm Al Quwain: 6:05 am

• Fujairah: 5:55 am

• Al Ain: 6:09 am

Related: Your ultimate Eid guide

The Shawwal moon was also sighted in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the rest of the Gulf region.

HOLIDAYS

Last week, officials announced Eid holidays for residents in the UAE.

Government and public sector employees in the UAE will enjoy the week off, returning to work on August 3.

However, private sector employees will have a two-day break on Monday and Tuesday, the first two days of Shawal.

Related: Top Muslim-friendly travel destinations

In Saudi Arabia, it was earlier announced residents would have a 12 day holiday.

Eid Al Fitr is traditionally when Muslims spend time with their families and take part in feasts. It is also a time when many choose to take advantage of the long weekend and travel.

EID GREETINGS AROUND THE WORLD

Learn how people from different cultures around the world greet each other on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

EID IN PHOTOS

Take a look at how people are celebrating Eid Al Fitr around the world.