Saudi king extends Eid Al Fitr holiday

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Tuesday issued a directive to extend this year’s Eid Al Fitr holiday.

Under the plans, government a military staff will receive around a full week off to mark the holiday, which falls at the end of Ramadan.

The exact start date of Eid has yet to be officially announced by the Gulf countries but an astronomer in Sharjah said this week that it will likely begin on Friday, June 15.

As Friday and Saturday are the weekend in Saudi Arabia, the directive appears intended to ensure this year’s Eid break is not shortened.

Under the directive, work will resume on Sunday, June 24.

The sighting of the moon crescent marks the end of Ramadan – when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset – and the start of the Shawwal month.

Both public and private sector staff work shorter days for the duration of Ramadan as many employees are fasting.

Employees across the Gulf are also expected to receive two to three days off to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.