Eid Ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Live Updates: When Will Saudi, UAE Witness Moon?

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.

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)

• 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.

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

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.

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.