Federal government employees will receive their salaries early this month to coincide with the end of the holy month.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, decided that public sector workers should receive their pay cheques on Monday, April 17, to provide for their families ahead of Eid Al Fitr celebrations.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also directed that Dubai government employees be paid their salaries on April 17, according to Wam.
The Central Finance Department in Sharjah, under the vision and directives of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, also announced that government employees will receive their salaries on April 18.
The finance department is keen to contribute to providing and securing the best environment for employees and their families at Eid.
According to astronomical calculations, the Eid Al Fitr holiday in the UAE — which is from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 — will be from Thursday, April 20, until Sunday, April 23.
The precise start of Eid Al Fitr will be confirmed closer to the time by the Moon-sighting committee.
Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr are decided by the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months totalling either 354 or 355 days, and because of this it moves up to 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Eid Al Fitr marks one of two holy feasts celebrated by Muslims worldwide.
The first day of Eid Al Fitr coincides with the first day of the lunar calendar month of Shawwal.
Celebrations begin with Eid prayers, shortly after the dawn fajr prayer.
The Eid prayer is followed by a sermon and a big part of the ritual is greeting others who have gathered to pray and wishing them an “Eid Mubarak”.
Muslims are advised to follow the tradition of Prophet Mohammed and bathe before Eid prayers, and to wear perfume and new clothes. The prayers are seen as a chance to exchange Eid greetings and meet neighbours, family and friends.
Eid Al Fitr celebrations in 2022: in pictures
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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
