Eid 2026 Moon Sighting in UAE Final Update: Check Eid al-Fitr Date and Holiday Schedule

The UAE Moon Sighting Committee has officially announced that Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH will begin on Friday, March 20, 2026. The decision was reached on Wednesday evening, March 18 (Chand Raat), after authorities confirmed that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted. Consequently, Thursday, March 19, will mark the 30th and final day of Ramadan, concluding the month of fasting for millions across the Emirates.

The committee, chaired by the UAE Minister of Justice and composed of high-ranking religious officials and astronomers, convened after the Maghrib prayer at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Despite earlier technical photography of the moon during daylight hours, the lack of a verified physical sighting after sunset remained the deciding factor in accordance with Islamic tradition.

The announcement aligns the UAE with several neighboring Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who have also declared a Friday commencement for the religious festival. Eid 2026 Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia Final Update: Shawwal Crescent Not Sighted, Eid al-Fitr on March 20.

UAE Eid 2026 Holiday Dates

Following the official confirmation of the Eid date, the holiday schedule for both the public and private sectors has been clarified. The UAE Cabinet had previously approved a unified holiday calendar, which is now in effect:

Public Sector: Federal and local government employees began their break on Tuesday, March 17 (28 Ramadan). The holiday will extend through the weekend, with work scheduled to resume on Monday, March 23. Eid 2026 Moon Sighting: Will Shawwal Crescent Be Sighted Today?

Private Sector: Pursuant to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), private sector employees are granted a paid holiday starting from 29 Ramadan (Wednesday, March 18) until 3 Shawwal. This ensures a four-day weekend for most workers, concluding on Sunday, March 22.

Eid Prayer Timings and Congregations in UAE

Islamic authorities have prepared hundreds of mosques and designated "Musallahs" (outdoor prayer grounds) across the seven Emirates to accommodate worshippers for the special Eid prayer.

In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, prayers are expected to commence shortly after sunrise, approximately at 6:12 AM, depending on local coordinates. Municipalities have already completed the cleaning and sterilization of these sites to ensure a safe environment for the large expected gatherings.

Eid Celebration and Safety Guidelines

As the nation prepares for the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," local police departments have increased patrols near malls, parks, and major intersections to manage the anticipated holiday traffic. Residents are encouraged to celebrate responsibly and adhere to all local safety and parking regulations during the three-day festivities.

The UAE’s leadership has extended its congratulations to citizens, residents, and the wider Islamic world, wishing for a period of peace, prosperity, and joy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 18, 2026 09:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).