Gulf Countries Announce Eid al-Fitr Holidays 2026 as Moon Sighting Expected Around March 18–19
Gulf countries announce Eid al-Fitr holidays 2026 starting around March 19 as moon sighting determines the final Eid date expected on March 20 or 21.
Several Gulf countries have announced Eid al-Fitr holidays for 2026, giving employees in government and private sectors a few days off to celebrate the end of Ramadan. According to official announcements, the Eid al-Fitr holidays in Gulf countries will begin around March 19, 2026, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
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Authorities confirmed that the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holidays in Gulf countries will allow citizens and residents to celebrate the festival with family, prayers, charity, and traditional meals marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Oman Announces Eid al-Fitr Holidays for Public and Private Sector
Authorities in Oman have officially declared Eid al-Fitr holidays from March 19 to March 23, 2026, for employees in both the public and private sectors.
Key details of the Oman Eid al-Fitr holiday announcement include:
- Holidays will run from Thursday, March 19, 2026
- The break will continue until Monday, March 23, 2026
- Work will resume on Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Officials stated that government agencies with special operational needs may set their own schedules to ensure public services continue smoothly.
Holiday Dates Depend on Ramadan Length
The exact Eid al-Fitr holiday schedule in Gulf countries may vary depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Possible holiday scenarios include:
If Ramadan completes 30 days
- Holidays from Thursday, March 19
- Government offices reopen Tuesday, March 24, 2026
If Ramadan lasts 29 days
- Holidays from Thursday, March 19
- Offices reopen Monday, March 23, 2026
Authorities clarified that the final schedule depends on the official moon sighting announcement.
Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Holidays for Private Sector
Saudi authorities have also announced Eid al-Fitr holidays for private and non-profit sector employees.
According to the announcement:
- The holiday begins after work on Wednesday, March 18
- The break will continue for four days
- Employees will resume duties after the holiday period ends
This schedule allows workers time to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with family and community gatherings.
Moon Sighting and Expected Date of Eid al-Fitr 2026
Astronomical estimates suggest that the Shawwal moon may be born on March 19, 2026 at around 6:23 AM.
Important astronomical details include:
- Moon age at sunset on March 19: about 12 hours and 41 minutes
- Crescent visibility in many regions may be difficult on March 19 evening
- The final decision will be made through official moon sighting committees
Experts suggest that Eid al-Fitr 2026 is likely to fall on March 19 or March 20, depending on confirmed moon sighting reports in different countries.
Significance of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated across the Muslim world with great joy.
Common Eid traditions include:
- Special Eid prayers in mosques
- Family gatherings and festive meals
- Giving charity (Zakat al-Fitr)
- Visiting relatives and friends
The Eid al-Fitr holidays in Gulf countries for 2026 will allow millions of people to celebrate the festival after completing the fasting month of Ramadan.
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