Saudi Arabia, UAE announce Eid-ul-Fitr on March 20 after Shawwal moon not sighted
- Most gulf countries will observe 30 days of Ramadan
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Eid ul-Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, 2026, after the Shawwal 1447 AH crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in the kingdom on Wednesday evening.
As a result, the month of Ramadan will be completed as 30 days.
The announcement was made by Saudi moon-sighting authorities, who stated that the crescent marking the start of Shawwal could not be observed, following which the first day of Eid was officially declared for Friday, Gulf News reported.
Besides, the Shawwal crescent was also not sighted in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkiye. These countries will also observe Eid-ul-Fitr on March 20.
In addition, countries in the wider region, such as Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon, have officially confirmed March 20 as the holiday.
Moon-sighting committees worldwide rely on visual observations combined with astronomical calculations to determine the start of each Islamic month.
The decision by Saudi authorities ensures that Ramadan will be completed as 30 days in the kingdom, while Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations will begin across many countries on the same day.
Muslims around the world will now prepare to mark the end of Ramadan and celebrate Eid with prayers, family gatherings, and festive traditions.
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