Countries celebrating Eid Al Fitr 2026 on Friday
Moon sightings confirm the Islamic holiday in several countries ahead of weekend
DUBAI – Muslims across the globe are set to celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2026 on Friday, March 20, marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion.
The date has been officially confirmed by several countries following local moon-sighting observations and astronomical calculations, which determine the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
Across nations, communities will come together for special Eid prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving and festive meals, while public holidays and local celebrations are planned in accordance with national calendars.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has confirmed that Friday, March 20, will be the first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026 after careful observation and consultation by the moon-sighting authorities. Public holidays have been officially declared, giving residents, expatriates and tourists the chance to participate in the wide range of festive events, cultural shows and family-oriented activities across shopping malls, leisure destinations and public spaces. Mosques across the emirates will host congregational prayers in the morning, while many hotels and attractions have rolled out special holiday packages and entertainment programmes to mark the occasion.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid Al Fitr will begin on Friday, March 20, following the traditional moon-sighting process that concludes Ramadan at 30 days. The announcement ensures that millions of residents and pilgrims attending holy sites in Mecca and Medina can organise their Eid prayers and celebrations accordingly. Communities will observe the festival with morning congregational prayers, gatherings with family and friends, and acts of charity and community support. The Kingdom’s announcement also serves as a key reference point for many other countries in the region.
Qatar
Qatar joins the Gulf states in confirming Friday, March 20, as the start of Eid Al Fitr. The Qatari Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs relied on regional moon-sighting reports and scientific observations to set the date. Families and communities will celebrate with morning prayers at mosques and open-air venues, followed by traditional festive meals. Hotels and public spaces across Doha and other cities are offering special cultural programmes and leisure activities for both citizens and visitors.
Kuwait
Kuwait has confirmed Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, after the moon-sighting process was completed and verified by local authorities. As in previous years, mosques will host large congregational prayers, while cultural centres and public venues will organise family-friendly events, retail promotions and festive shows. Residents and expatriates are preparing for gatherings and feasts, with traditional dishes such as ma’amoul and dates commonly shared during Eid celebrations.
Bahrain
Bahrain has officially announced Friday, March 20, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026. Authorities confirmed that Ramadan will be completed at 30 days following careful observation of the Shawwal crescent. Across the country, mosques and public spaces will host morning prayers, while families and communities engage in festive meals, charitable acts, and cultural activities. Local markets and malls are also expected to see increased activity ahead of Eid, as residents prepare gifts, sweets, and traditional attire.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Muslim communities largely follow announcements from major mosques and Islamic councils. Astronomical calculations and regional sighting reports indicate that Friday, March 20, will be widely observed as the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will hold morning congregational prayers at mosques and community centres, followed by visits to relatives and friends. Traditional dishes vary by cultural heritage, with South Asian families often preparing Sheer Khurma, while North African communities may serve Laasida or other regional delicacies. Although not a public holiday, celebrations are widespread and community organisations host festivals and family events across major cities.
United States
In the United States, the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) has announced that Eid Al Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, based on astronomical calculations and the visibility of the crescent moon across North America. The council’s decision follows the criteria of Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, ensuring the moon’s elongation and altitude meet recognised conditions for Shawwal. Communities across the US will celebrate with morning congregational prayers, community gatherings, charity donations, and festive meals, while mosques and Islamic centres organise special programmes for families and children. Local observances may vary slightly depending on city and regional Islamic authorities.
Canada
Canada’s Muslim communities will also celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, following guidance from local mosques and Islamic organisations. As in the US, astronomical calculations have confirmed moon visibility across the country, marking the start of Shawwal. Canadians will observe the holiday with prayer gatherings, family visits, cultural programmes, and charitable acts, reflecting the diversity of the nation’s Muslim population. Retail centres and public venues in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are expected to host Eid markets and entertainment events for residents and visitors.
Turkey
Turkey has declared Friday, March 20, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Turkish religious authorities rely on both moon-sighting reports and astronomical calculations. Families will observe morning prayers in mosques and open-air spaces, share festive meals, and participate in local cultural and charity events, following traditional Turkish Eid practices. Public celebrations in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara include community gatherings, special holiday meals, and recreational activities.
Australia
Australia has also confirmed Friday, March 20, as the start of Eid Al Fitr 2026. Muslim communities across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other major cities will celebrate with congregational prayers, family visits, and cultural events, often coordinated by local mosques and Islamic councils. Traditional meals and sweets will be prepared for the occasion, with public awareness campaigns ensuring that the wider population is informed of Eid festivities.
Russia
In Moscow, Eid Al Fitr (Uraza Bayram) will be celebrated with religious fervour on Friday, March 20, 2026. Preparations have been completed across the city’s mosques and designated prayer areas to accommodate worshippers. The central Eid gathering will take place at Moscow’s Grand Mosque, where the spiritual leader, Sheikh Rawil Gaynutdin, will deliver the sermon and lead the Eid prayer at 7:00 am.
Other major mosques, including the historic mosque and the Memorial Mosque "Shuhada," will also host large congregations, with additional spaces allocated by the authorities to manage the high number of attendees. Security arrangements have been strengthened across the city, and the central Eid ceremony will be broadcast on national TV channel Russia 1 for wider accessibility.
Suburban areas around Moscow will hold Eid prayers from 6:00 am, with the main prayer commencing at 7:00 am. Religious authorities have also urged Muslims to pay Fitrana and other charitable contributions, with minimum Fitrana set at 250 rubles, medium at 800 rubles, and higher for affluent individuals at 1,300 rubles, while Fidya is 400 rubles per day.
Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon
Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon have all confirmed Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, following official moon-sighting announcements in their respective countries. Communities will engage in morning prayers, family celebrations, and charitable giving, while public gatherings and cultural events are planned to mark the festival across urban and rural areas alike. Local cuisines, traditions, and regional practices add unique elements to the celebrations in each country.