Eid al-Fitr Likely on March 20 in Gulf Countries: Al-Ojairi Scientific Center

Islamabad: The likely date for Eid al-Fitr in Gulf countries has been predicted by the Al‑Ojairi Scientific Center, based on astronomical calculations regarding the Shawwal moon.

According to Arab media reports, the center stated that the crescent moon of Shawwal is unlikely to be visible on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan.

In its statement, the center explained that in Kuwait and most other countries, the moon will set before sunset on that day, making it astronomically impossible to sight the crescent.

The center further said that the birth of the new moon will occur on Thursday, March 19, at around 4:23 a.m. Kuwait time, which confirms that the crescent cannot be observed the previous evening.

Based on these calculations, Ramadan is expected to complete 30 days, making Thursday, March 19, likely the last day of the holy month. Consequently, Friday, March 20, 2026, is expected to be the first day of Eid al-Fitr in many Gulf countries.

However, the Al-Ojairi Scientific Center emphasized that the official announcement of the start of Islamic months will be made by the relevant authorities in each country according to approved moon-sighting procedures.