Eid ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Updates: Eid In Saudi Arabia, Kuwait To Be Celebrated On March 20

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According to astronomical projections, the Shawwal moon may be visible on March 18, provided the sky is clear. Before announcing the official start of Eid, moon-sighting committees in various provinces verify sightings from multiple locations.

In Iraq, the Sunni Endowment Diwan has officially declared Friday, March 20, as Eid al-Fitr. Yemen has also officially declared Friday, March 20, as Eid al-Fitr.

Lebanon will also celebrate Eid on March 20. Lebanon has officially announced that Friday, March 20, will be Eid al-Fitr.

The process for the Shawwal crescent moon sighting Abu Dhabi is expected to take place on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026. The Moon Sighting Committee and local observers will attempt to sight the Shawwal crescent just after sunset.

Bahrain has officially announced that Friday, March 20, as the day Eid Al-Fitr will be celebrated.

The Kuwaiti government has officially announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the auspicious Eid al-Fitr. Following the sighting of the moon, this marks the beginning of Shawwal 1447 Hijri. Residents are advised to follow official announcements regarding prayers and celebrations.

Bahrain Bourse will be closed from March 22 to March 24, said Bloomberg.

The recurring difference in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations between Saudi Arabia and India is not a matter of differing beliefs, but of astronomy, geography and observation methods, experts say.

At the heart of the issue lies the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins each month only after the first visible crescent moon is sighted following sunset. This is distinct from the astronomical new moon, or conjunction, when the Sun and Moon align, a phase during which the Moon is invisible to the naked eye.

Astronomers stress that the new moon itself cannot be seen anywhere on Earth. Visibility begins only hours later, when the Moon moves sufficiently away from the Sun to reflect light.

Read More: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/world/eid-ul-fitr-2026-what-is-the-science-behind-saudi-arabia-celebrating-one-day-earlier-than-india-11232911

Astronomers and local reports suggest that Eid al‑Fitr 2026 in the UAE is likely to fall on March 20. Observers in Sharjah and other emirates have said that the moon may be easier to see late on March 19, which would make March 20 the first day of Eid. 

Eid ul‑Fitr 2026 in India will reportedly be observed either on March 20 or 21, after the moon sighting. The most common expectation is March 20 if the moon is seen soon after sunset on March 19. 

Read more: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/india/eid-ul-fitr-2026-march-19-or-20-when-india-saudi-arabia-uae-will-mark-eid-11211214

Eid Al Fitr will be officially celebrated on Friday, 20 March 2026 in Saudi Arabia as the crescent moon was not sighted as per the 'Inside the Haramain' news platform's 'X' post.

BREAKING NEWS: Eid Al Fitr is on Friday, 20 March 2026

The Crescent of month of Shawwal 1447 was NOT SIGHTED anywhere in the Kingdom today, subsequently the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days tomorrow and Eid Al Fitr will be on Friday pic.twitter.com/3fiDuIWV6n

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities have issued several guidelines to celebrate  Eid Al Fitr cautiously due to the ongoing war between US-Israel, and Iran. Due to this, outdoor open-air musallas prayers or designated Eid grounds will be avoided for Eid prayers, and all prayers will be conducted inside the mosques. The decision-making body, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, made the recommendation for the region.

Read more: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/world/uae-orders-eid-prayers-indoors-amid-iran-conflict-bans-outdoor-gatherings-11232157

The sun has set in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia with no Crescent moon in sight according to the 'Inside the Haramain' news platform's 'X' post.

NOW: Sunset in the eastern region of the Kingdom with no reports of sighting

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026

The Supreme Court session in Saudi Arabia to determin which date to set Eid Al Fitr has begun as per the 'Inside the Haramain' news platform's 'X' post.

🔴BREAKING: Supreme Court session begins to set the date for Eid al-Fitr

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026

Chief Astronomer Abdullah Al Khudairi said that the current weather conditions will make it impossible to observe the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia as per  'Inside the Haramain' news platform's 'X' post.

“The crescent moon will set this evening 30 minutes before the sun, and it will not be possible to observe it," Khudairi said.

🔴Chief Astronomer Abdullah Al Khudairi: Abdullah Al-Khudairi to Al-Ikhbariya:

“The crescent moon will set this evening 30 minutes before the sun, and it will not be possible to observe it.”

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026

Astronomers from Tumair Observatory, Sudair Observatory, Al-Hariq Observatory and Dammam Observatory  in Saudi Arabia noted overcast and cloudy skies and uncertain weather making the sighting of the Shawwal Crescent moon difficult as per reports.

Astronomer Abdul Majid from Al Hareeq Observatory told the  'Inside the Haramain' news platform that the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia remains unclear and may obstruct the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.

Astronomer Abdul Majid from Al Hareeq Observatory:

“The atmosphere remains unclear and may obstruct the sighting of the Shawwal crescent”

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026

The weather remained unstable on Wednesday evening, in Saudi Arabia. Partly cloudy skies, with light rain affecting the western coastal areas and islands as per recent weather reports. Temperatures dropped significantly, and northwesterly winds gusting up to 40 km/h were stirring up dust, reducing visibility on the roads. This may make it difficult to spot the Crescent Moon as the investigation sanctioned by the Saudi Court continues.

The Saudi Court stated that 12 observatories are investigating the sighting of the Shawwal Crescent Moon, according to a post on 'X' from the 'Inside the Haramain' news platform.

According to the Supreme Court 12 observatories are investigating the sighting of the crescent moon of the month of Shawwal

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026

The main investigation for the sighting of the Shawwal Crescent moon in Saudi Arabia will take place at Sudair and Tumair where astronomers from Al Maj’mah University will search for the crescent moon according to a post on 'X' from the 'Inside the Haramain' news platform.

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

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026

Cloudy skies, strong winds and high dust levels in the UAE may obscure the crescent moon which will make it next to impossible to sight it according to weather reports. If the moon is not sighted, it will likely delay the declaration of Eid Al Fitr, leading to Ramadan being extended to a total of 30 days with Eid likely being declared on Friday or Saturday.

The UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has directed the Imams of the country's mosques to recite 'Qunoot prayers' during the Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunsit) prayers in light of recent circumstances, according to Emirates News Agency.

Qunoot prayers signify, humility and devotion to God.

The directive was issued in coordiantion with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah, will be implemented on  29 Ramadan 1447 AH on Wednesday.

This follows a fatwa from the UAE Council for Fatwa about following the Prophetic tradition of invoking Qunoot during crisis periods.

In Saudi Arabia, people scan the horizon for the Shawwal crescent shortly after sunset on March 18. The moon's visbility window is typically within 20-40 minutes post-sunset, varying by location and sky clarity. Authorities verify sightings and make an official announcement later that evening.

The Saudi Supreme Court Court called for the cresecent moon sighting to be investigated on Wednesday as per the established Sunnah, according to a post on 'X' from the  'Inside the Haramain' news platform.

"The sighting investigation will determine the beginning of the month of Shawwal 1447 and subsequently Eid Al Fitr whether it falls tomorrow or on Friday," the post added.

The Supreme Court Court called for the sighting to be investigated today, Wednesday th 29th of Ramadan as per the established Sunnah

The sighting investigation will determine the beginning of the month of Shawwal 1447 and subsequently Eid Al Fitr whether it falls tomorrow or on…

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed Eid greetings to Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait. He also discussed the developing situation with regards to the war in the Middle East with Al-Sabah, according to a 'X' post from the PM.

أجريت اتصالا هاتفيا مع صاحب السمو الشيخ صباح الخالد الحمد المبارك الصباح، ولي العهد لدولة الكويت ، ونقلتُ إليه تحياتي بمناسبة حلول عيد الفطر المبارك.

وقد تبادلنا وجهات النظر حول الأوضاع الراهنة في منطقة غرب آسيا، وأعربنا عن قلقنا المشترك إزاء التطورات الأخيرة. كما جددتُ التأكيد…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2026

Qatar has announced a seven-day holiday for public sector employees on account of Eid-Al-Fitr. The holiday will be observed from March 17-March 23, 2026 as per news reports.

Eid is celebrated twice a year. The first Eid is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan. It is also known as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. The second Eid, known as Eid-ul-Adha or Bakrid, is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Eid greetings in advance to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed the current situation with regards to the war in the Middle East as per an 'X' post from the PM.

PM Modi reiterated India's "strong condemnation of all attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure."

"We also agreed on the importance of ensuring freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," Modi said.

تحدثتُ مع أخي صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان، رئيس دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، وتقدمتُ إليه بتهاني العيد مسبقاً.

وقد ناقشنا الأوضاع الراهنة في منطقة غرب آسيا، وجددتُ التأكيد على إدانة الهند الشديدة لجميع الهجمات التي استهدفت دولة الإمارات، والتي أسفرت عن سقوط ضحايا من…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2026

Dishes such as Sheer Khurma, Kimami Seviyan, Shahi Tukda, Firni, Kheer, Biryani, and others are prepared in the feasts held during Meethi Eid.

The Chairman of the Lucknow Islamic Center, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, has said that Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be on March 21. 

Mahali says, "The sighting of the Eid-ul-Fitr moon, will be observed on March 19. However, it is expected that the moon may not be visible that day. Accordingly, Eid, will be on March 21. The final decision and announcement,  will be made on the evening of March 19. Eid is, in reality, a reward from Allah Almighty for the worship and fasting observed throughout Ramadan. Its timing is not dependent on any particular event..."

(Source: IANS)

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has urged Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon, marking the start of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, according to Gulf News.

• India: On Eid day, people dress up in traditional attire, with new clothes being a must-have, offer Eid prayers, exchange gifts and greetings with family and friends, indulge in festive food like Haleem, Biryani, Galouti Kebab, and sweet treats like Sheer Khurma and Seviyan. Elders give Eidi (gift money) to children and younger family members while women and girls apply henna (mehendi) on hands and feet.
• Indonesia: Many people embark on an exodus to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with loved ones in a homecoming tradition. Many return to villages to celebrate the holiday with prayers and family gatherings.
• Malaysia: Muslims also have a homecoming tradition for Eid. The first day usually begins with a morning prayer in the mosque, seeking forgiveness from family and friends, and visiting loved ones' graves. There's an 'open house' spirit that sees friends and families trading visits to celebrate Eid and enjoy traditional delicacies. Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit their homes.
• Egypt: Families partake in Eid prayers amid a festive atmosphere. Many visit relatives, friends or neighbours and some travel to vacation spots. Children, usually wearing new Eid outfits, receive traditional cash gifts known as 'eidiya.' Making or buying Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar is another fixture of marking the holiday in the country.
• United States: Many come together for Eid prayers and for festivals featuring fun activities for children and families.
   

Markets in Srinagar and other Valley towns are buzzing with activity, with people thronging shopping districts to buy new apparel and delectable for the festive occasion. Readymade garment shops, bakeries, fruit stalls, and meat and diary product vends are witnessing a surge of shoppers. The Eid economy in the Valley is estimated to be worth Rs 1,500 crore.

People purchase snacks and confectionery items at a shop ahead of Eid al-Fitr during the holy month of Ramadan, in Srinagar.
Photo Credit: (Photo: PTI)

To greet someone celebrating Eid, you can say: Eid Mubarak, or Blessed Eid, and Happy Eid.

Eid Ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Live Updates
Photo Credit: (Photo: Envato)

Vendors sell vermicelli and dry fruits at a market ahead of the 'Eid ul-Fitr' festival during the holy month of 'Ramzan', in Guwahati, Assam, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Eid ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Live:
Photo Credit: (Photo: PTI)

Islam follows a lunar calendar and so Ramadan and Eid cycle through the seasons. This year, the first day of Eid ul-Fitr is expected to be on or around March 20. The actual date may vary among countries and Muslim communities.

Eid ul-Fitr is an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month when devout Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is a time for increased worship, charity and good deeds, and typically sees festive gatherings to break the fast. Eid ul-Fitr means the feast, or festival, of breaking the fast.

Muslims around the world are bidding farewell to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and will soon start celebrating the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr. Eid is typically greeted with joy and excitement and is marked with congregational prayers and festivities that usually include family visits, gatherings, outings and new clothes.

But this year, Eid is approaching amid the Iran war, which has been roiling many countries in the Middle East and leading to far-reaching consequences beyond.

In the United States, many Muslims observed Ramadan's religious and social traditions this year under a cloud of worrisome domestic and international events.

Those include immigration crackdown fears and anti-Muslim rhetoric in the US as well as the war in the Middle East, where many have loved ones.