Official: Saudi Arabia Announces Friday, March 20, as First Day of Eid Al-Fitr 2026
The Saudi Supreme Court has officially announced that the blessed Eid Al-Fitr 1447 AH will begin on Friday, March 20, 2026. The decision follows the unsuccessful sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening, meaning the holy month of Ramadan will complete its full 30-day cycle.
Executive Summary
- Official Date: Eid Al-Fitr starts Friday, March 20, across the Kingdom.
- Ramadan Duration: The holy month will last 30 days, concluding on Thursday, March 19.
- Observation Results: Major observatories, including Tumair and Sudair, reported no confirmed sighting due to astronomical conditions and visibility challenges.
- Regional Alignment: The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have also confirmed Friday as the start of the holiday.
The Science of the Sighting
Despite the mobilization of advanced observatories in Tumair, Shaqra, and Al-Hariq, the International Astronomy Center’s earlier predictions proved accurate. Sighting the moon on Wednesday was deemed “astronomically impossible” as the moon set before the sun. While specialized teams utilized high-powered telescopes, the conjunction occurred after sunset, preventing the visibility required to declare the start of Shawwal for Thursday.
[Image of moon phases showing the lunar cycle]National Preparations and Public Holidays
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has already confirmed the holiday schedule for the private and non-profit sectors. With the official start of Eid now set for Friday, residents and businesses can finalize their festive arrangements. The Riyadh Municipality has readied public spaces and prayer grounds (Musallas) across the capital to accommodate the millions expected for Eid prayers on Friday morning.
The Saudi Lens: Stability Amidst Tradition
The determination of the Eid date is more than a religious milestone; it is a logistical feat that tests the Kingdom’s digital and physical infrastructure. Under Vision 2030, the coordination between the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Interior, and astronomical centers reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to blending deep-rooted tradition with scientific precision. For the enterprise sector, this clarity allows for seamless operational planning during the four-day national break, ensuring that essential services and the burgeoning tourism sector—central to the Saudi economic shift—remain resilient and prepared for the festive surge.
