The Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia announced that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, as the crescent moon for Shawwal was not sighted on Wednesday, March 18. Similarly, the UAE Presidency announced that Thursday, March 19, would complete Ramadan, making Friday, March 20, the first day of Eid al-Fitr in the Emirates.
Key points
- Saudi Arabia's decision followed astronomical calculations indicating the impossibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent.
- The UAE's declaration was based on reports from the 'Shawwal Crescent Sighting Committee' affiliated with the UAE Council for Sharia Edict.
- The Saudi announcement influences other countries that often align their dates with Saudi Arabia's declaration.
- Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be the final day of fasting for Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The official announcement of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for millions of Muslims in the region, setting the date for the major religious festival.
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