Muslims in Saudi Arabia have been urged to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on the evening of Wednesday, March 18. This sighting will determine the start of Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the Kingdom after a month-long fasting during Ramadan.
According to astronomical calculations, the moon may not be visible on March 18, resulting in a 30-day Ramadan. This means the first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026 will on March 20. If the crescent is sighted on March 18, Eid will commence the next day, March 19.
However, the moon sighting committee, that will convene on Wednesday will finally decide the end of Ramadan and start of Islamic month Shawwal.
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According to Saudi Supreme Court, whoever sees the moon with the naked eye or through binoculars can inform the nearest court and record their testimony there.
Ramadan Prayer Time Table 2026
In Saudi, the public holiday for Eid Al Fitr is set to begin on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponds to 29th of Ramadan, 1447 AH, and will last four days for all employees. Normal work will resume on Sunday, March 22, the authority stated.
Meanwhile, the UAE has already announced the Eid Al Fitr public holiday for employees in the federal and private sectors. For federal government entities, the Eid Al Fitr holiday will begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and continue until Sunday, March 22, 2026. Official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
For the private sector employees, the holiday will run from Thursday, March 19, 2026, until Saturday, March 21, 2026. Employees who normally work on Sundays will be required to return to work on Sunday, March 22.
Source: Khaleej Times