The UAE authorities officially announced that Eid Al-Fitr will begin on Friday, 20 March 2026, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on 18 March. The decision followed observations by the Moon Sighting Committee, confirming that Ramadan would last the full 30 days.
The Moon Sighting Tradition
Under the Islamic calendar, the beginning of each month is determined by the visual sighting of the new crescent moon. In the UAE and neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, official moon-sighting committees convene after the Maghrib prayer.
Because the crescent was not visible due to astronomical conditions and cloud cover, fasting continued through Thursday, 19 March, completing a 30-day Ramadan.
Public Holidays
For government employees, the Eid holiday ran from 19 to 22 March, with work resuming on 23 March.
For the private sector, the official holiday was from 19 to 21 March, with a possible extension through 22 March because Ramadan lasted 30 days.
The announcement created a long holiday weekend for millions of UAE residents, including expatriates.
The Moon Sighting Tradition
Under the Islamic calendar, the beginning of each month is determined by the visual sighting of the new crescent moon. In the UAE and neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, official moon-sighting committees convene after the Maghrib prayer.
Because the crescent was not visible due to astronomical conditions and cloud cover, fasting continued through Thursday, 19 March, completing a 30-day Ramadan.
Public Holidays
For government employees, the Eid holiday ran from 19 to 22 March, with work resuming on 23 March.
For the private sector, the official holiday was from 19 to 21 March, with a possible extension through 22 March because Ramadan lasted 30 days.
The announcement created a long holiday weekend for millions of UAE residents, including expatriates.