Countries Announce Friday as the First Day of Eid al-Fitr

Several countries have announced that Friday will mark the first day of Eid al-Fitr. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait all declared that Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be the last day of Ramadan, leading into the celebration on Friday, March 20, 2026. These timely declarations follow the traditional moon sighting procedures inherent in Islamic practice, showcasing a united front in the observance of this significant event.

Confirmations from the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed that Thursday will mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan, according to an announcement from the Presidential Court. This decision was based on findings from the “Moon Sighting Committee for the month of Shawwal 1447 AH,” which convened in Abu Dhabi on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The committee reviewed reports from across the country and determined that the crescent moon was not sighted, thus designating Friday, March 20, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

Saudi Arabia’s Moon Sighting

In Saudi Arabia, the High Court’s moon sighting committee held a session on the same evening to confirm the lunar observations. The ruling followed the established tradition quoted from the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing that the sighting is crucial for marking the end of Ramadan. Given that the crescent moon was not seen, the conclusion was that Thursday, March 19, will complete the month, with Friday, March 20, recognized as the first day of Eid al-Fitr across the Kingdom.

Statements from Qatar and Bahrain

Qatar’s Moon Sighting Committee also convened on Wednesday evening, reiterating that the absence of the crescent moon led to the decision that Thursday would be the last day of Ramadan. Consequently, they confirmed that Friday, March 20, will be designated as Eid al-Fitr. Similarly, Bahrain’s religious authority declared that Thursday will fulfill the thirty days of Ramadan, making Friday the beginning of the Eid celebrations.

Kuwait and Turkey’s Announcements

Kuwait’s moon sighting authority has announced that Friday will signal the start of Eid al-Fitr, with Thursday serving as the completion of Ramadan as the crescent moon was not spotted. Meanwhile, Turkey has established that based on astronomical calculations, Friday, March 20, will be the designated day of Eid al-Fitr, aligning with the broader regional celebrations.

As these nations prepare for the festivities ahead, families are expected to come together to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid al-Fitr in unity and joy. Nations across the world play an essential role in upholding the traditions and customs associated with this significant occasion, showcasing the vibrancy of Islamic culture and community. The spirit of Eid, characterized by generosity and gratitude, will undoubtedly resonate across these nations as they observe this cherished holiday.