In a move to allow government employees more time to celebrate the upcoming Eid al-Fitr festivities with their families, the President’s Office of the Maldives has announced that the week in which the holy holiday falls will be observed as official government holidays this year.
According to Directive No. 6/2025 issued on Friday, the duration of the Eid al-Fitr holidays will depend on the date announced by the Islamic Ministry. If Eid is declared to fall on Monday, 31st March, the government holidays will extend from 31st March to 3rd April. Alternatively, if Eid is announced to be on Sunday, 30th March, the holidays will begin that day and continue until 3rd April.
Regardless of the specific start date, government offices across the Maldives are scheduled to reopen on 6th April following the conclusion of the extended Eid al-Fitr break.
In a statement, the President’s Office emphasized that the decision to provide a longer holiday period was made to enable government employees to more fully enjoy the celebratory traditions and time with loved ones that are central to the Eid al-Fitr observance.
“Eid al-Fitr is a special time for families to come together and observe religious rituals. By granting a full week of holidays, we are ensuring our government workforce has ample opportunity to participate in these important cultural and spiritual practices,” stated President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The extended Eid al-Fitr holidays follow on the heels of the Maldives government’s recent announcement of a new, nationwide public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year. These policy changes underscore the administration’s commitment to honoring Maldivian Islamic heritage and providing workers with sufficient time to celebrate major religious festivals.
As a leading destination for luxury tourism, the Maldives is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and world-class resorts. The upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays are expected to see an influx of both local and international visitors eager to experience the country’s vibrant cultural traditions firsthand.
For the latest updates on public holidays and travel information in the Maldives, visitors are encouraged to regularly check the Visit Maldives website.
