Early Eid Holiday Ends School Controversy in Saudi Arabia
Several education departments in Saudi Arabia have announced that the holiday marking Eid Al Fitr festival will begin at the end of the school day on March 19, ending a controversy over the beginning of this year's Eid vacation.
Circulars from the education authorities have notified all schools, kindergartens and institutes, and kindergartens that the end of work on Wednesday, the 19th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 19, will mark the start of the Eid Al Fitr holiday for students and teachers, reported Saudi newspaper Al Watan.
They are due to return to schools on Sunday, the 8th of the following lunar month of Shawwal corresponding to April 6.
There has been a controversy in the past days over the actual start date of Eid Al Fitr holiday in Saudi schools amid conflicting reports that it would begin at the end of work on March 19 or the closing time of March 20.
Eid Al Fitr is expected this year to begin on March 30, depending on sighting the new moon. Travel rates usually peak during the holiday.
Ramadan is followed by Eid Al Fitr, celebrated for three consecutive days as of the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Workers in the private and non-profit sectors in Saudi Arabia will get a four-day holiday marking Eid Al Fitr, a labour official has said.
The holiday will start at the end of Saturday, the 29th of Ramadan corresponding to March 29, and continue for four days, a spokesman for the Ministry of Human resources added this week.
Also read: Saudi Arabia Opens Applications for Mining Licences as It Eyes $2.5tn Minerals Haul
Source Gulf News
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