Eid Al Fitr 2026 in UAE: Shawwal crescent moon sighting across the world

Several countries have officially confirmed the date for Eid al-Fitr, while others are still awaiting moon-sighting results to determine the end of Ramadan.

Eid confirmed on Thursday

Authorities in Afghanistan, Niger and Mali announced that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Thursday, March 19, 2026, following confirmation of the Shawwal crescent.

Eid confirmed on Friday

A large number of countries have declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid after completing 30 days of Ramadan or confirming the moon sighting.

These include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, Maldives, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq.

In Africa, Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, Uganda, Nigeria, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Benin, Senegal and Cameroon have also confirmed Friday for Eid celebrations.

Singapore announces Saturday Eid

Meanwhile, Singapore has confirmed that Saturday, March 21, 2026, will be the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

Several countries yet to confirm Eid date

Several countries have yet to make an official announcement, including Gabon, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Suriname.

Moon sighting expected Thursday

Authorities in several countries will attempt to sight the Shawwal crescent on Thursday evening to determine whether Eid falls on Friday or Saturday.

These include Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania, along with several countries in Central Asia and Africa.

Final confirmations in these countries will depend on official announcements by national moon-sighting committees.

Palestine officially announces that Friday, March 20, is the day of the Eid Al Fitr.

The Sunni Endowment Diwan in Iraq officially announces that Friday, March 20, is the day of Eid Al Fitr.

Yemen has officially announced that Friday, March 20, will be the day of Eid Alm Fitr.

Lebanon has officially announced that Friday, March 20, will be the day of Eid Al Fitr.

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.

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 crescent of Shawwal 1447 AH was not sighted anywhere in Saudi Arabia today. As a result, the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days tomorrow, and Eid Al Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Friday.

Dammam is the first city in the Kingdom where the Shawwal crescent moon has been sighted, while Tabuk is the last city where observations are expected to conclude.

Observers note that cloudy conditions continue at most sites across the Kingdom, and rain is currently moving toward several observation locations, potentially affecting visibility.

Authorities and residents are advised to stay updated on official announcements to confirm the start of Shawwal 1447 AH and Eid Al Fitr celebrations.

The Saudi Supreme Court has convened to determine the start of Shawwal 1447 AH and officially set the date for Eid Al Fitr. Observations of the crescent moon are underway across the Kingdom, from Dammam—the first city to sight the crescent—through Tabuk, while cloudy skies and incoming rain may affect visibility at several observation sites.

The Astronomical Observatory of Majmaah University in Hawtat Sudair announced the scientific conditions for sighting the Shawwal crescent for 1447 AH, according to the Umm Al Qura calendar.

According to the observatory’s calculations, on Wednesday (29 Ramadan, corresponding to March 18, 2026), the moon will set approximately 30 minutes before sunset, with moonset at 5:38pm and sunset at 6:08pm, making sighting impossible on that day.

The astronomical conjunction will occur on Thursday (30 Ramadan) at 4:26am Riyadh time.

On that day, the crescent is expected to set about 30 minutes after sunset, with sunset at 6:08pm at the observatory location and moonset at 6:38pm, at an altitude of 6.7 degrees and an elongation of 7.81 degrees.

The observatory confirmed it will attempt to sight the Shawwal crescent as part of its regular monitoring activities.

Observatories across Saudi Arabia are reporting cloudy conditions, which could make sighting the Shawwal crescent challenging.

Tumair Observatory

Cloudy weather persists, making observation of the crescent difficult.

Sudair Observatory

The sky remains overcast, and spotting the Shawwal crescent may be challenging.

Al-Hariq Observatory

Unclear skies could affect crescent visibility at this observatory.

Dammam Observatory

One of the first observatories preparing to sight the Shawwal crescent, though cloudy conditions may impact observations.

As the month of Ramadan 1447 AH comes to an end, sunset times at key observatories across Saudi Arabia have been announced in preparation for the Shawwal crescent sighting:

• Dammam Observatory: 5:50 PM

• Al-Uyaynah Observatory: 6:05 PM

• Tumair Observatory: 6:07 PM

• Hawtat Sudair Observatory: 6:08 PM

• Al-Hariq Observatory: 6:05 PM

• Shaqra Observatory: 6:10 PM

• Buraidah Observatory: 6:15 PM

• Hail Observatory: 6:24 PM

• Madinah Observatory: 6:32 PM

• Makkah Observatory: 6:32 PM

• Tabuk Observatory: 6:44 PM

Observers and residents are advised to follow these timings to confirm the sighting of the crescent moon, which will determine the start of Shawwal and Eid Al Fitr celebrations.

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.

Unsettled weather conditions are continuing to prevail this Wednesday evening, March 18, with partly cloudy to overcast skies and light rainfall affecting western coastal areas and islands.

Temperatures have dipped noticeably, and northwesterly winds gusting up to 40 km/h are stirring up blowing dust, reducing road visibility, motorists are urged to exercise caution and allow extra travel time.

At sea, conditions remain rough, with strong winds and wave heights reaching up to 6 feet persisting in the Oman Sea until 1:00 AM on Thursday, March 19. The unsettled spell is expected to carry through the Eid Al Fitr break, so residents are advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts.

The Saudi Supreme Court has called for the sighting of the Shawwal crescent to be investigated today, Wednesday, the 29th of Ramadan, in accordance with the established Sunnah.

The main investigation will take place at Sudair and Tumair, where astronomers from Al Maj’mah University will search for the crescent moon.

The results of the sighting will determine the beginning of the month of Shawwal 1447 AH and subsequently whether Eid Al-Fitr will fall tomorrow or on Friday.

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.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has directed mosque Imams across the country to recite "Qunoot prayers" during the Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers, in response to current circumstances.

The directive, issued in coordination with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah, and other relevant entities, takes effect from Wednesday, 18th March, corresponding to 29 Ramadan 1447 AH.

The move follows a fatwa issued by the UAE Council for Fatwa, adhering to the Prophetic tradition of invoking Qunoot during times of hardship and crisis.

Saudi Arabia is set to search for the Shawwal 1447 crescent today, which will determine the Day of Eid Al-Fitr 1447.

Authorities will announce the results of the sighting around 6:10 PM (Makkah time).

Several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, will attempt to sight the Shawwal crescent today (Wednesday) evening, marking the 29th day of Ramadan. Other countries conducting moon sightings today include Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan and parts of Iraq.

Astronomical calculations suggest the crescent will be invisible worldwide on Wednesday, as it is expected to set before sunset. In other regions, including Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Egypt and North Africa, Thursday will be the 29th day of Ramadan, with moon sightings scheduled after sunset. Eid Al Fitr in these countries is expected on Friday or Saturday, depending on confirmed sightings.

Experts note that crescent visibility will remain impossible in eastern countries and difficult in central regions, underscoring the continuing importance of both traditional observation and astronomical calculations in determining the start of the holiday.

Cloudy skies and strong winds may make spotting the Shawwal crescent in the UAE harder. The National Center of Meteorology has forecast partly cloudy to cloudy conditions, chance of light rain in scattered areas, and northwesterly winds up to 40 km/h, raising dust in some regions.

The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will meet after Maghrib prayers to determine the end of Ramadan. If the crescent is sighted, Eid Al-Fitr begins Thursday; otherwise, Ramadan completes 30 days and Eid will fall on Friday. Astronomical calculations suggest Friday is likely.

The International Astronomy Center has confirmed that the end-of-month crescent for Ramadan 1447 AH was photographed from Abu Dhabi by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, affiliated with the Center.

The photograph was taken on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 1:00pm UAE time, when the moon’s distance from the sun was 9.2 degrees and its age was negative 15 hours and 23 minutes.

The observatory team included Anas Mohammed, Osama Ghannam, and Khalfan Al Naimi, with photography by Mohammed Awda.

Dubai mosques will begin reciting Dua Al Qunoot during Fajr and Maghrib prayers starting Wednesday, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) announced, citing the Prophetic tradition observed during times of hardship.

The department said the move comes as part of its efforts to organise mosque affairs and revive religious practices associated with exceptional circumstances.

It also called on members of the community to engage with the practice through prayer and supplication, asking God to continue to bless the UAE with safety, security and stability, and to reward the country’s leadership.

Dua Al Qunoot is a well-known supplication recited during Islamic prayers, in which worshippers seek God’s guidance, protection and mercy. It is part of established Islamic prayer traditions and is recited collectively in mosques under certain circumstances.

The Islamic Crescent Observation Project, affiliated with the International Astronomy Center, has created a dedicated WhatsApp group for crescent observers in Europe. The aim of this group is to facilitate faster and more effective communication among observers across Europe and to obtain direct, real-time updates on crescent sightings.

The UAE Council for Fatwa has clarified that both Eid and Friday prayers should be performed if they fall on the same day, stating that each prayer should be observed at its prescribed time in line with established religious practice.

In a ruling issued in response to public inquiries, the council said the majority scholarly opinion, and the position adopted in its official guidance, is that Eid prayer does not replace the obligation to attend Friday congregational prayer.

The council cited Quranic verses and prophetic traditions supporting the obligation of Friday prayer, noting that it remains one of the most important compulsory acts in Islam and cannot be waived by performing a prayer of a lesser obligation status.

It added that historical accounts show the Prophet Mohammed performed both prayers when they coincided, without omitting Friday prayer after observing Eid.

The council also noted that while some scholars have permitted those who attended Eid prayer to instead perform the Dhuhr prayer at home, those who follow this view are not considered at fault.

The council also noted that while some scholars have permitted those who attended Eid prayer to instead perform the Dhuhr prayer at home, those who follow this view are not considered at fault.

However, it said attending Friday prayer remains preferable to avoid scholarly disagreement and uphold the original obligation.

In line with measures adopted by the United Arab Emirates to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments & Zakat has confirmed that Eid Al Fitr prayers will not be held in open grounds or outdoor spaces this year and will instead be limited to mosques across the country.

This decision is being implemented in coordination with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah.

The Authority urged all worshippers to adhere to the guidelines and to arrive early to perform the Eid prayer in mosques to ensure their safety.

The UAE Moonsighting Committee will meet on Wednesday after Maghreb prayer to sight the Shawwal crescent, marking the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr.

The announcement was made by the UAE Council for Fatwa. Senior religious scholars, astronomers and officials will gather to review observational reports submitted from across the country.

The Council has also called on the public to sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH on Wednesday evening, 18 March, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan.

On 12 March, the Australian Fatwa Council confirmed that Ramadan 1447 AH will conclude on Thursday, March 19, making Friday, March 20 the first day of Eid Al Fitr and the start of Shawwal 1447 AH.

The announcement follows careful consultation with local and international moon observatories. Authorities considered calculations of the new moon’s appearance, moonset, and visibility in Australia and surrounding regions — a method recognised by many prominent global scholarly councils.

A crescent moon marking the final days of Ramadan was sighted in the UAE skies early on Tuesday.

Tamim Al Tamimi, a member of the Emirates Astronomical Society, photographed the Ramadan crescent at dawn on the 28th day of the holy month (1447 AH), capturing the image at about 6am above the UAE skyline.

Ramadan is expected to last the full 30 days this year, with Eid Al Fitr likely to fall on Friday, March 20, according to astronomical calculations in the UAE.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board of directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society, said the moon will not be visible in the sky on Wednesday, March 18, making it unlikely that the new month will begin the following day.

According to Emarat Al Youm, Al Jarwan said that the crescent marking the start of Shawwal is set to be born at 5:23am UAE time on Thursday, March 19.

He added that the moon is expected to remain above the horizon for around 29 minutes after sunset that evening, which could allow for a sighting if weather and visibility conditions are favourable.