Countries that have announced first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026
Moon-sighting decisions place the Islamic holiday on different dates around the world
DUBAI – Several countries across the Gulf and beyond have begun confirming the first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026, with official announcements reflecting regional moon-sighting outcomes and differing religious authorities.
While much of the Gulf has aligned on Friday, March 20, other countries have set the festival for Thursday, March 19, or Saturday, March 21, highlighting the familiar variation that accompanies the end of Ramadan each year.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has announced Thursday, March 19 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr after the Shawwal crescent was confirmed in multiple provinces. The country’s Supreme Court accepted witness testimonies from Farah, Helmand and Ghor, placing Afghanistan among the earliest countries to declare Eid this year.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has confirmed Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr after the Shawwal crescent was not sighted on Wednesday evening. That means Ramadan will complete 30 days in the Kingdom, a decision that has also shaped Eid timing across several neighbouring countries.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has officially announced Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, in line with the wider Gulf position after the moon was not sighted. The decision places the country alongside Saudi Arabia and other GCC states observing Eid after a full 30 days of Ramadan.
Kuwait
Kuwait has also confirmed Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr. The country joins the wider Gulf grouping that will mark Eid on Friday after the Shawwal crescent was not seen on March 18.
Bahrain
Bahrain has declared Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, matching the date announced by neighbouring Gulf countries. The kingdom is therefore part of the regional bloc that will complete Ramadan with 30 fasting days this year.
Qatar
Qatar has confirmed Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, aligning with the rest of much of the GCC after the moon-sighting process concluded without a confirmed Shawwal crescent.
Turkey
Turkey is among the countries that will observe Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20. Its date aligns with several Gulf and regional countries that have announced Eid for the same day.
Australia
Australia has also been listed among the countries marking Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20. The date places it in step with several countries that have already made official announcements following this year’s moon-sighting process.
Palestine
Palestine has announced Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, joining a broad group of countries across the Middle East that will observe the holiday on the same day.
Iraq
Iraq is also set to celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, according to the list of countries that have already confirmed the first day of Shawwal.
Yemen
Yemen has confirmed Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, placing it with the countries across the Arab world that extended Ramadan to 30 days.
Lebanon
Lebanon has officially announced Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr. The country’s date is in line with several Gulf and regional states that have issued similar declarations.
Singapore
Singapore has set Saturday, March 21 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, making it one of the countries observing the holiday later than the Gulf and much of the Arab world. The difference reflects its own official calendrical and religious determination process.