Eid Al Fitr 2026 Date
Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, in countries that began Ramadan on February 18. This date is contingent upon the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan.
Crescent Moon Visibility
On March 18, 2026, the Shawwal crescent moon will not be visible, making it impossible for those countries to declare Eid on that day. As a result, countries that commenced Ramadan a day later, on February 19, may observe Eid on Saturday, March 21, 2026, due to crescent visibility issues.
Holiday Observances
The UAE federal government has announced that the holiday for Eid Al Fitr will extend from March 19 to March 22, 2026. In Saudi Arabia, the Eid holiday will commence at the end of the workday on March 18, allowing for a four-day celebration.
Crescent Moon Setting Times
On March 19, 2026, the crescent moon will set 29 minutes after sunset in Abu Dhabi, while in Riyadh, it will set 30 minutes after sunset. In Amman and Jerusalem, the moon will set 36 minutes after sunset. The visibility of the crescent moon in these regions is expected to be extremely challenging, with observations requiring telescopes.
Public Holidays in the Region
In Bangladesh, the government has declared March 18, 2026, a public holiday, allowing citizens to prepare for Eid celebrations. This declaration adds to a total of seven vacation days for the holiday period.
Countries where Ramadan began on February 18 are expected to complete a full 30 days of Ramadan, a practice that is common in many Muslim-majority nations. This adherence to the lunar calendar is essential for determining the exact timing of Eid.
What to Expect
As the date approaches, observers and communities will be keenly watching for the sighting of the crescent moon, which will ultimately confirm the exact date of Eid celebrations. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the visibility conditions in various regions.
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