Saudi Arabia Eid al-Fitr date set for March 20 after moon not sighted, extending Ramadan to 30 days across the Kingdom
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, 2026, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in the Kingdom on Wednesday evening.
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The announcement, made after coordinated observations across multiple cities in Saudi Arabia, means that Ramadan will complete a full 30 days, with Thursday, March 19, marking the final day of fasting.
Earlier, the court had called on Muslims nationwide to observe the sky on the 29th day of Ramadan in search of the Shawwal crescent.
However, despite extensive efforts and reports from observatories, no verified sighting was recorded.
The development holds wide regional significance, as several Gulf nations traditionally align their religious calendar with Saudi Arabia’s official declaration.
In the United Arab Emirates, authorities had already scheduled public holidays for both government and private sector workers.
With Ramadan now extending to 30 days, the holiday period will run accordingly, with federal employees observing a break from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22.
Private sector workers in the UAE will similarly observe holidays from Thursday to Saturday, with the extension to Sunday now confirmed following the announcement.
Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
The day typically begins with congregational prayers, followed by family gatherings, festive meals, and charitable giving through Zakat al-Fitr to support those in need.
The Supreme Court reiterated that individuals who sight the crescent moon, either with the naked eye or optical aids, should report to the nearest court to assist in official determinations.
Astronomers had earlier indicated that visibility would be unlikely.
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Experts from the New Crescent Society explained that the crescent could not be seen on March 18 because it preceded the astronomical birth of the new moon, making confirmation impossible under standard observational conditions.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
