Saudi Arabia has officially declared Friday, the 20th of March, 2026, as Eid al-Fitr following the absence of the Shawwal crescent moon across the Kingdom.
Authorities confirmed that the moon was not sighted on Wednesday evening, the 18th of March, meaning Ramadan will complete the full 30 days, with Thursday, the 19th of March, marking the final day of fasting.
The announcement aligns with the Kingdom’s long-standing reliance on physical moon sighting to determine key dates in the Islamic calendar.
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Eid al-Fitr, which signals the end of Ramadan, will now be observed on Friday, ushering in a day of prayers, charity, and celebrations among Muslims.
Saudi Arabia’s position is expected to guide several countries, particularly within the Gulf region, where its moon sighting decisions often shape the timing of major Islamic festivals.