Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The decision was made after the moon-sighting committee confirmed the new crescent moon was not sighted on Thursday evening, March 19.
Following Saudi Arabia's announcement, several other Arab nations, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, have also declared that Eid al-Fitr will begin on Friday. These countries typically coordinate moon sightings or follow the Saudi announcement for the start of Islamic holidays.
The Eid al-Fitr holiday is a major Islamic festival involving special prayers, feasting, and charitable giving. The exact date is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar and the sighting of the new moon, which can lead to variations in different regions.
Authorities across the Gulf have extended public holiday periods for the occasion. Millions of Muslims in the region and worldwide will celebrate the holiday, which follows a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.
