Eid Al Fitr 2026 Date
Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, for countries that commenced Ramadan on February 18. The observance of this significant holiday will depend on the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon, which is traditionally used to mark the end of Ramadan.
Crescent Moon Visibility Challenges
On March 18, 2026, the Shawwal crescent moon will not be visible, making it impossible to declare Eid on that day. For countries that began Ramadan a day later, on February 19, 2026, Eid may be observed on Saturday, March 21, 2026, due to similar crescent visibility issues.
Holiday Observances in the Region
The UAE federal government has announced that the holiday for Eid Al Fitr will extend from March 19 to March 22, 2026. In Saudi Arabia, the Eid holiday will begin at the end of the workday on March 18, allowing citizens to prepare for the celebrations.
Crescent Moon Setting Times
On March 19, 2026, the crescent moon will set 29 minutes after sunset in Abu Dhabi, while in Riyadh, it will set 30 minutes after sunset. In Amman and Jerusalem, the moon will set 36 minutes after sunset. The visibility of the crescent moon in Abu Dhabi is expected to be extremely difficult and may require a telescope to observe.
Public Holidays in Bangladesh
In a related development, the government of Bangladesh has declared March 18, 2026, a public holiday, allowing citizens to prepare for Eid celebrations. This decision is part of a broader observance of the holiday, which is expected to last for a total of seven vacation days in the country.
Countries where Ramadan began on February 18 are expected to complete a full 30 days of fasting, a practice that is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition. The determination of Eid dates based on moon sighting is a long-standing practice in many Muslim-majority countries.
What to Expect
As the date approaches, observers and communities will be keenly watching for announcements regarding the crescent moon visibility. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the expected dates of Eid celebrations.