International Astronomy Center Predicts Possible Dates for Eid al-Fitr

Dubai: The International Astronomy Center has issued a new forecast regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon for Eid al-Fitr 2026.

According to the center, in countries where the first day of Ramadan was observed on Wednesday, February 18, the moon is expected to be sighted on Wednesday, March 18. However, in countries where Ramadan began on Thursday, February 19, the moon will be sought on Thursday, March 19.

Experts note that in countries observing March 18, sighting the moon will be impossible because it will set before the sun, and the conjunction will occur after sunset. Therefore, Eid al-Fitr is most likely to be celebrated on **Friday, March 20** in these countries.

For regions observing March 19, especially in the eastern and central parts of the Islamic world, the moon sighting is expected to be extremely difficult, indicating that Eid al-Fitr will likely be observed on **Saturday, March 21**.