An astronomical body in Kuwait has predicted the likely date of Eid al-Fitr in Gulf countries based on scientific calculations regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
According to Arab media reports, the Al-Ajiri Scientific Centre said the moon of Shawwal is unlikely to be sighted on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan.
In a statement, the centre explained that the moon is expected to set before sunset in Kuwait City and most other Gulf countries on that day, making it astronomically impossible to observe the crescent.
The centre further stated that the new moon will be born on Thursday, March 19, at approximately 4:23am Kuwait time, which is after sunset on the expected sighting day, confirming that the crescent cannot be seen on the first night.
Based on these calculations, Ramadan is expected to complete 30 days, making Thursday, March 19, likely to be the last day of Ramadan. As a result, Friday, March 20, 2026 is expected to be the first day of Eid al-Fitr in Gulf countries.
However, the Al-Ajiri Scientific Center emphasised that the official start of Islamic months will be announced by the relevant authorities in each country in accordance with the approved Sharia-based moon-sighting procedures.