Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on March 20, 2026, after the Shawwal moon was not sighted. This means the holy month of Ramadan will last 30 days this year, in line with the Islamic lunar calendar.
The decision was confirmed by the country’s moon-sighting committee after Maghrib prayers. In Islamic tradition, the start of Eid depends on the sighting of the new moon. If the moon is not visible on the 29th day of Ramadan, the month completes 30 days before Eid is observed.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have also announced Eid holidays for employees in the private and non-profit sectors. These holidays allow people to prepare for celebrations, spend time with family, and take part in religious activities. Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of fasting and is one of the most important Islamic festivals.
The announcement plays an important role for businesses and travel planning, as many people arrange gatherings, shopping, and trips around Eid. Markets usually see increased activity in the days leading up to the festival.
Other Muslim countries may announce their own Eid dates based on local moon sightings. While many follow Saudi Arabia’s decision, some nations rely on their own committees. This can sometimes lead to different Eid dates across countries, depending on the visibility of the moon.
