- Saudi Arabia has fixed March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on March 18
- The moon-sighting committee disclosed that Ramadan will complete 30 days, with fasting continuing through March 19
- The announcement aligns with the Islamic lunar calendar, which depends on moon sighting
Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that Eid al-Fitr 2026 will be observed on Friday, March 20, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening.
Eid al-Fitr, widely regarded as one of the most important celebrations in Islam, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting from dawn until sunset.
The festival, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” begins on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
As Wednesday, March 18, corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH, the Saudi Supreme Court had earlier urged Muslims across the Kingdom to look out for the crescent moon that would signal the end of the fasting period.
However, reports confirmed that the moon was not sighted after sunset anywhere in Saudi Arabia. This means Ramadan will complete a full 30 days, with fasting continuing through Thursday, March 19.
The official confirmation followed deliberations by the moon-sighting committee, which assessed observations from across the country before announcing the new date for Eid celebrations.
This aligns with the traditional Islamic method of determining months through lunar observation, where each new month begins only after the crescent moon is sighted.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development had earlier announced that Eid holidays for private and non-profit sector workers would begin from the evening of Wednesday, March 18, and last for four days.
Speaking on the announcement, the ministry’s spokesperson, Mohammed Al Ruzaiqi, explained that the move was intended to help organisations plan ahead.
According to him, “the announcement aimed to provide clarity for employers and employees ahead of the holiday period, allowing organisations to organise work schedules and ensure operational continuity in essential sectors while safeguarding workers’ rights to the festive break.”