Eid Al Fitr 2026 Confirmed for March 20 Across UAE and Gulf Nations
Eid Al Fitr 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, across the United Arab Emirates and several Gulf countries, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. This marks the completion of a 30-day Ramadan, as announced by regional authorities after moon-sighting observations.
Moon-Sighting Committee Declares No Crescent Sighting
The UAE confirmed the date on Wednesday, based on the Moon-sighting Committee's observation, which did not record any confirmed sighting of the crescent on Wednesday evening. Consequently, Thursday, March 19, will be the final day of the holy month of Ramadan, with Eid Al Fitr commencing the following day. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent traditionally signals the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
Regional Announcements Align Across Gulf Countries
Similar announcements were made across the Gulf region, ensuring uniformity in the celebration date. Saudi Arabia confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted after reviewing reports submitted by courts and observatories across the Kingdom. In a statement, the Saudi Royal Court noted that no confirmed sighting was established, confirming Friday, March 20, as the first day of Eid.
Kuwait's Sharia Vision Authority also confirmed that Thursday will complete Ramadan, with Eid Al Fitr falling on Friday. Bahrain and Qatar issued similar confirmations, with both countries announcing March 20 as the first day of Eid after the crescent moon was not sighted. In Qatar, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) stated that Thursday marks the 30th and final day of Ramadan, aligning with the wider regional announcement.
Eid Holidays Announced for Public and Private Sectors
Earlier, the UAE had already outlined Eid holidays for both public and private sector employees. According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, public sector holidays will run from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, with work resuming on Monday, March 23.
For the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced a break from Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21. The ministry added that if Ramadan completes 30 days, the holiday will extend to Sunday, March 22. With the date now confirmed, preparations for Eid celebrations are set to begin across the region, as families and communities come together to mark the end of Ramadan.
Key Points:
- Eid Al Fitr 2026 falls on March 20 after no Shawwal crescent sighting.
- Ramadan completes 30 days, ending on March 19.
- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar confirm the same date.
- UAE announces holidays from March 19-22 for public sector and March 19-21 for private sector.
- Regional unity in moon-sighting observations ensures coordinated celebrations.
