Maldives Government Announces Extended Eid Holidays for 2025: A Full Week Off for Citizens

President Muizzu Grants Extended Eid Break, Allowing More Time for Religious Observance and Family Gatherings

In a significant move to support religious observance and cultural traditions, the government of the Maldives has officially declared an extended public holiday for Eid al-Fitr 2025, granting citizens a full week off. The announcement, made by the President’s Office under the directive of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, ensures that Maldivians can fully engage in Eid celebrations and spend quality time with their families.

According to the statement, if Eid al-Fitr falls on March 31, 2025, the public holiday will extend from March 31 to April 3. However, if Eid is observed a day earlier on March 30, then the holiday period will start on March 30 and last until April 1. To provide a consistent and uninterrupted break, President Muizzu has confirmed that regardless of the Eid date, holidays will be extended until April 3.

This decision effectively grants citizens a week-long holiday, as it aligns with the Maldives’ standard Friday and Saturday weekend. As a result, government offices and most public institutions will reopen on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Government Declares Additional Public Holidays for Last 10 Days of Ramadan

In a further step to support religious devotion and spiritual reflection, the Maldivian government has also declared public holidays starting from March 20, 2025. This move is intended to allow Muslims to observe the last ten days of Ramadan, a period considered highly significant for worship, prayer, and seeking blessings.

This decision reflects President Muizzu’s policy of promoting Islamic values and ensuring that citizens have adequate time for increased religious practices during the holy month. The last ten days of Ramadan hold special importance in Islamic teachings, as they are believed to include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night described in the Quran as "better than a thousand months".

With this extension, citizens will experience an extended religious break spanning over two weeks, from March 20 leading up to Eid, followed by the official Eid holidays until April 3.

Government Ensures Essential Services Continue During the Holiday Period

Despite the prolonged holiday, the government has reassured the public that essential services will remain operational. While most government offices and institutions will be closed, critical sectors such as healthcare, security, emergency services, and transportation will continue to function to meet public needs.

The extended holiday period is expected to boost domestic tourism and travel across the Maldives, as many families take advantage of the break to visit relatives, engage in leisure activities, or travel to resorts and islands for relaxation.

Furthermore, businesses and private sector companies may choose to adjust their schedules based on operational needs, but the government’s initiative is aimed at prioritizing family time, cultural celebrations, and religious practices during this significant period.