Eid Al Fitr 2026: Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries to mark Eid on Friday as Shawwal crescent not sighted
Turkey, Singapore also announce Eid dates as Shawwal crescent moon sighting across the world starts
The crescent of Shawwal 1447 AH was not sighted anywhere in Saudi Arabia or any other Gulf country on Wednesday. As a result, the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days tomorrow, and Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Friday.
Qatar has confirmed that Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, following the completion of 30 days of Ramadan and the unsuccessful sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
The Government of Kuwait has officially announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the day of the blessed Eid Al Fitr. This marks the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon. Residents are advised to follow official announcements regarding prayers and celebrations.
Bahrain officially announces that Friday, March 20, is the day of the blessed Eid Al Fitr.
The UAE has confirmed that Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, following the completion of 30 days of Ramadan and the unsuccessful sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
Tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, marks the 29th of Ramadan in several countries, which will attempt to sight the Shawwal crescent after sunset.
The first day of Eid Al Fitr in these countries—including Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, parts of Iraq, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania—will depend on the successful sighting of the crescent, and is expected to fall on Friday or Saturday.
Turkey, Singapore announce first day of Eid Al Fitr
Authorities in Turkey and Singapore have confirmed different dates for Eid Al-Fitr, as both countries rely on astronomical calculations rather than traditional moon sighting to determine the start of Islamic months.
Turkey has announced that Friday, March 20, will be Eid Al Fitr, based on calculations indicating the possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent on Thursday from Turkey and other regions.
Meanwhile, Singapore has confirmed that Saturday, March 21, will mark Eid Al Fitr, as astronomical data shows the crescent will not be visible from Singapore on Thursday.
Officials noted that Wednesday marks the 28th day of Ramadan in both countries, with Eid dates determined through pre-calculated lunar visibility models.