Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, after the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal was not sighted anywhere in the Kingdom.
The announcement was made on Wednesday evening following observations across several regions. The Supreme Court had earlier called on Muslims to look for the moon on the 29th day of Ramadan, but no verified sightings were reported.
As a result, Ramadan will complete 30 days of fasting, with Thursday, March 19, confirmed as the final day of the holy month.
The decision carries importance beyond Saudi Arabia, as many countries — especially in the Gulf — follow its lead in determining the date of Eid.
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In the United Arab Emirates, authorities had already announced public holidays for both government and private sector workers. With Ramadan now set to complete 30 days, the holiday period will run accordingly.
Federal government employees in the UAE will observe the Eid break from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, returning to work on Monday. Private sector workers will also begin their holiday on Thursday, with the break extending through the weekend.
Eid al-Fitr, known as the “festival of breaking the fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, a month during which Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset. The celebration begins with special prayers, followed by family visits, shared meals and acts of charity.
A key part of the occasion is Zakat al-Fitr, a form of giving that ensures people in need can also take part in the celebrations.
Saudi authorities said the absence of a moon sighting was expected due to astronomical conditions. Experts noted that the crescent could not be seen on Wednesday because it appeared before the birth of the new moon, making visibility impossible.
The Supreme Court had urged anyone who might see the crescent, either with the naked eye or using binoculars, to report it to the nearest court. However, no such reports were confirmed.
With the date now officially set, millions of Muslims across the region are preparing to mark the end of Ramadan with prayers, gatherings and celebrations after a month of fasting.
