Eid al-Fitr 2026: Expected Date and Observance

Jakarta – Anticipation is building regarding the official announcement of Eid al-Fitr in 2026. While the exact date is subject to confirmation based on the sighting of the crescent moon, predictions suggest the holiday will likely fall on Friday, March 20, 2026, in several Arab countries.

Astronomical Predictions

According to The National News, referencing forecasts from the Emirates Astronomical Society in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ramadan is expected to last 30 days this year. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, head of the Emirates Astronomical Society, stated that the likelihood is high that Eid al-Fitr and the first day of Shawwal will be on March 20th.

This prediction is based on the expectation that the latest moon will not be visible in most parts of the Arab world on the evening of Wednesday, the 29th day of Ramadan, necessitating the completion of the 30th day of the holy month.

UAE Moon Sighting Committee

In the UAE, the new moon monitoring committee is scheduled to convene on March 18, 2026, to officially determine the start of Shawwal. If the crescent moon is sighted after sunset on this date, March 19th will mark the first day of Shawwal and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Otherwise, Ramadan will extend to 30 days, and Eid al-Fitr will commence on March 20th.

The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, with months lasting either 29 or 30 days, determined by the phases of the moon.

Conditions for Crescent Moon Visibility

Scientifically, several conditions must be met for clear visibility of the crescent moon:

• The moon must be born before sunset.
• The moon’s distance from the sun must be at least six degrees.
• The moon’s age must be at least 12 hours.
• The new moon must be above the horizon at least 20 minutes after sunset.

The Islamic calendar comprises 12 lunar months, totaling 354 or 355 days. Due to its reliance on the lunar cycle, dates in the Islamic calendar typically shift by approximately 10 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.

UAE Eid al-Fitr Holidays

The UAE government has announced that public and private sector workers will enjoy an Eid al-Fitr holiday beginning on March 19, 2026. Public sector employees are expected to have a holiday from March 19-22, while private sector employees may have a holiday spanning March 19-21 or extending to March 22.