Possible date of Eid al-Fitr announced in Gulf countries

RIYADH: Regarding Eid al-Fitr in Gulf countries, Al-Ajri Scientific Center has made a prediction regarding the Shawwal moon. According to Arab media reports, Al-Ajri Scientific Center predicted that according to astronomical calculations, the Shawwal moon is unlikely to be sighted on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (29 Ramadan).

In a statement, the center predicted that on that day, the moon will set before sunset in Kuwait and most other countries, making it astronomically impossible to see the moon.

According to the center, the birth of the new moon will occur on Thursday, March 19, at approximately 4:23 a.m. Kuwaiti time, which is the time after sunset on the day of sighting, confirming that the moon cannot be observed on the first night.

Based on these results, it is expected that the 30 days of Ramadan will be completed, Thursday, March 19 will probably be the last day of Ramadan, so Friday, March 20, 2026 is likely to be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

Al-Ujairi Scientific Center emphasized that the official announcement of the beginning of the Hijri months will be made by the competent authorities of the country in accordance with the approved Sharia sighting procedure.