when will saudi announce eid 2026
Saudi Arabia will confirm Eid al-Fitr 2026 on the evening of Wednesday, 18 March 2026, after the official Shawwal moon sighting; Eid itself is set to be on Friday, 20 March 2026, based on current official updates.
When Will Saudi Announce Eid 2026?
Quick Scoop
- The Saudi Supreme Court has called on people to look for the Shawwal crescent on the evening of Wednesday, 18 March 2026 (29 Ramadan 1447 AH).
- The official Eid announcement is typically made that same night after the moon-sighting committees report back.
- For 2026, Saudi Arabia has already confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Friday, 20 March 2026.
- Astronomical and calendar projections had already pointed to 20 March 2026 as the likely public holiday date in KSA.
In practice, that means you can expect Saudi’s formal Eid announcement to come on the night of 18 March 2026 , a day or so before the actual Eid holiday on 20 March 2026.
How It Usually Works in Saudi
- Saudi Arabia follows live moon sighting , not just astronomical calculations.
- The Supreme Court urges citizens and observatories to watch for the crescent on 29 Ramadan (this year: 18 March 2026).
- After reports are collected, an official statement is issued on TV, news agencies, and major Haramain channels the same night.
So even though calendars and news sites already show Friday, 20 March 2026 as Eid in Saudi, the formal religious declaration is tied to the 18 March evening announcement.
Expected Timeline for 2026
- 18 March 2026 (Wednesday evening):
- Moon sighting for Shawwal, 29 Ramadan 1447 AH.
* Supreme Court announcement expected later that night.
- If crescent confirmed:
- Ramadan ends that night.
* Eid al-Fitr would be the next day, but in 2026 the official observance has been set as **Friday, 20 March 2026** , in civil calendars and holiday schedules.
Many outlets and regional calendars now list 20 March 2026 (Friday) as Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia , and reports already note that Saudi has officially announced Eid for that date.
Mini Story: How People Will Feel It
Imagine a Wednesday evening in Riyadh on 18 March 2026 : families at home, TV on low volume, phones in hand, everyone waiting for the banner or push notification that says Ramadan has ended and Eid will be on Friday.
WhatsApp groups start buzzing, last-minute shopping plans are made for Thursday, and by the time people go to sleep, most of the country is already planning early morning Eid prayers and family gatherings for 20 March.
Quick Fact Table
| Item | Details (Saudi Arabia 2026) |
|---|---|
| Moon sighting request | Evening of Wednesday, 18 March 2026 (29 Ramadan 1447 AH) | [8][1][3]
| Expected official announcement time | Night of 18 March 2026, after moon-sighting reports are in | [1][3]
| Eid al-Fitr 2026 civil holiday date | Friday, 20 March 2026 | [7]
| Media already reporting | Reports state Saudi has officially set Eid for 20 March 2026 | [5][9][7]