18 Mar, 21:21 (IST)

It has been confirmed the Shawwal moon was not sighted today anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, Saudi's Supreme Court has declared that Ramadan shall complete 30 days tomorrow, March 19. Eid 2026 will be celebrated on March 20.We end this live blog now. Thank you for joining us. For all major news from India and around the world, visit www.latestly.com.

18 Mar, 20:43 (IST)

The Saudi Supreme Court has officially announced that Eid al-Fitr 2026 will fall on Friday, March 20. The decision follows the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon during the official observation on Wednesday evening, March 18. Because the new moon was not spotted tonight, the judicial authorities have declared that tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, will be the 30th and final day of Ramadan.

18 Mar, 20:18 (IST)

The Supreme Court session to sight the Shawwal moon and verify reports of the sightings, if available, has begun Saudi Arabia. A final update on the Eid 2026 date will be made shortly. Stay here with us for live news updates.

18 Mar, 19:42 (IST)

According to astronomer Abdul Majid from Al Hareeq Observatory, the current atmosphere is unclear and may obstruct the search for the Shawwal crescent. If the moon is not sighted today, Ramadan shall complete 30 days, pushing Eid 2026 to March 20.

18 Mar, 19:04 (IST)

As many as 12 observatories across Saudi Arabia are investigating the sighting of the crescent moon of the month of Shawwal. Eid is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal month. Stay with us here to catch live news updates on reports of the Eid moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

18 Mar, 18:31 (IST)

Official moon-sighting committees will gather at observatories in multiple cities across Saudi Arabia today. However, the main investigation will take place at Sudair and Tumair where astronomers from Al Maj’mah University will search for the Shawwal crescent. If the moon is sighted, Eid al-Fitr will fall on March 19. Eid will be celebrated on March 20 if the moon remains invisible this evening.

18 Mar, 18:12 (IST)

Saudi Arabia will today, March 18, announce whether Muslims in the Kingdom celebrate Eid 2026 on March 19 or 20. Today marks 29th of Ramadan. If the moon is sighted this evening, Ramadan shall conclude and Shawwal 1447 will begin. Accordingly, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on March 19, the first day of Shawwal. In case the moon remains invisible, Ramadan shall complete 30 days. Consequently, Eid will be observed on March 20.

18 Mar, 17:59 (IST)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or KSA is set to search for the Shawwal 1447 crescent today, March 18. Join us as we bring you coverage of the Shawwal moon sighting today in Saudi Arabia which will determine the date for Eid al-Fitr 2026. A final announcement of the moon sighting results will be made around 6:10 pm (Makkah time).

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially called on all Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal 1447 crescent moon today, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This sighting marks the 29th day of Ramadan (Chand Raat) for most Gulf nations and will determine the official start of Eid al-Fitr 2026, observed on the first day of Shawwal. If the moon is sighted this evening, Eid 2026 celebrations will begin tomorrow, Thursday, March 19. If no crescent is visible, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and the festival will be observed on Friday, March 20. Stay here to catch live news updates on the Eid 2026 moon sighting in Saudi Arabia as well as the final announcement on Eid al-Fitr date.

In an announcement issued earlier this week, the Supreme Court urged anyone who spots the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or through binoculars, to report their testimony to the nearest court. Official moon-sighting committees are convening at observatories in multiple cities across the Kingdom to verify reports and consolidate findings.

The Saudi decision is a pivotal moment for the global Muslim community, as several nations in the Middle East and many communities in the West look to the Kingdom’s announcement to synchronize their own festivities. Eid 2026 Moon Sighting: Will Shawwal Crescent Be Sighted Today?

When Is Eid al-Fitr 2026? Astronomical Forecasts for Shawwal Moon Sighting

While the religious tradition relies on physical observation, astronomical experts have expressed skepticism regarding a sighting today. Data from the International Astronomy Center (IAC) and the Qatar Calendar House (QCH) suggest that the moon will set before the sun this evening, with the astronomical "conjunction" occurring only after sunset.

"The crescent moon will be born on Thursday morning at 4:24 AM," noted a recent report from the Qatar Calendar House. If these calculations hold true, it would be scientifically impossible to see the moon on Wednesday evening, making a Friday start for Eid (March 20) the most likely outcome for those following physical sighting protocols. Eid 2026 Date in India: When Is Eid Ul Fitr and Shawwal Moon Sighting?

List of Countries Observing Eid Moon Sighting Today

Countries that began Ramadan on February 18 will look for the crescent moon this evening. The list includes: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, and Afghanistan. In the US, UK, Canada and France, Muslim communities are following a split schedule. Some communities will follow the Saudi Arabian announcement, while others will celebrate Eid on the date announced by local religious authorities.

The sighting of the Shawwal moon concludes a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting (Ramadan), intense prayer and charitable giving. Eid al-Fitr, celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, begins with a special congregational prayer in the early morning, followed by family gatherings and the distribution of Zakat al-Fitr - a mandatory charity to ensure the less fortunate can also join the celebrations. The Saudi Supreme Court is expected to issue its final verdict late this evening following the Maghrib prayers.