Live Coverage
Eid Al Fitr 2026 in Saudi Arabia
Official announcements, moon sighting results, holiday dates & essential expat info — updated in real time.
Live Updates
36 updatesEid Prayer Timings in Saudi Arabia:
Makkah – 6:40
Madinah – 6:40
Riyadh – 6:12
Jeddah – 6:42
Dammam – 5:58
Buraidah – 6:23
Abha – 6:29
Hail – 6:32
Tabuk – 6:53
Al Baha – 6:33
Jazan – 6:29
Najran – 6:22
Sakaka – 6:38
Arar – 6:35
Taif – 6:37
Unaizah – 6:23
Al Ahsa – 6:00
Khamis Mushait – 6:28
Jubail – 6:00
Yanbu – 6:47
Hafar Al-Batin – 6:15
Al Majma’ah – 6:18
Al Dawadmi – 6:21
Al Zulfi – 6:20
Al Kharj – 6:10
As Sulayyil – 6:17
Ar Rass – 6:25
Shaqra – 6:18
Turaif – 6:44
Al Wajh – 6:53
Bisha – 6:29
Al Khobar – 5:58
Al Qurayyat – 6:49
Al Aflaj – 6:12
Tayma – 6:45
Rabigh – 6:43
Rafha – 6:25
Al Khafji – 6:05
AlUla – 6:47
Umluj – 6:50
Afif – 6:28
Wadi Al Dawasir – 6:20
Dumat Al Jandal – 6:39
Al Makhwah – 6:33
Baljurashi – 6:33
Badr Al Janub – 6:24
Hubuna – 6:27
Sharurah – 6:11
Al Aridhah – 6:27
Ahad Al Masarihah – 6:27
Ad Dair – 6:26
Farasan – 6:30
Baysh – 6:29
Ar Rayth – 6:27
Damad – 6:28
Al Mithnab – 6:22
Al Bukayriyah – 6:24
Turabah – 6:32
An Namas – 6:30
Al Qatif – 5:59
Al Mandaq – 6:34
Al Majardah – 6:31
Abu Arish – 6:28
Badr – 6:44
Diriyah – 6:13
Al Quway’iyah – 6:18
Hawtat Bani Tamim – 6:11
Dhurma – 6:14
Al Muzahimiyah – 6:14
Rumah – 6:10
Thadiq – 6:15
Huraymila – 6:15
Al Hariq – 6:13
Al Ghat – 6:19
Al Qunfudhah – 6:35
Al Lith – 6:38
Al Jumum – 6:40
Khulais – 6:42
Al Kamil – 6:40
Al Khurma – 6:31
Ranyah – 6:28
Al Mahd – 6:35
Khaybar – 6:42
Al Hanakiyah – 6:37
Al Badai – 6:24
Al Asyah – 6:22
An Nabhaniyah – 6:27
Uyun Al Jawa – 6:24
Riyadh Al Khabra – 6:25
Ash Shimasiyah – 6:22
Ras Tanura – 5:59
Abqaiq – 6:00
An Nu’ayriyah – 6:05
Muhayil Asir – 6:31
Sarat Abidah – 6:26
Tathleeth – 6:25
Rijal Alma – 6:30
Ahad Rufaydah – 6:28
Dhahran Al Janub – 6:25
Balqarn – 6:31
Duba – 6:56
Haql – 6:59
Baqa – 6:29
Al Ghazalah – 6:34
Ash Shinan – 6:29
Sabya – 6:28
Makkah – 6:40
Madinah – 6:40
Riyadh – 6:12
Jeddah – 6:42
Dammam – 5:58
Buraidah – 6:23
Abha – 6:29
Hail – 6:32
Tabuk – 6:53
Al Baha – 6:33
Jazan – 6:29
Najran – 6:22
Sakaka – 6:38
Arar – 6:35
Taif – 6:37
Unaizah – 6:23
Al Ahsa – 6:00
Khamis Mushait – 6:28
Jubail – 6:00
Yanbu – 6:47
Hafar Al-Batin – 6:15
Al Majma’ah – 6:18
Al Dawadmi – 6:21
Al Zulfi – 6:20
Al Kharj – 6:10
As Sulayyil – 6:17
Ar Rass – 6:25
Shaqra – 6:18
Turaif – 6:44
Al Wajh – 6:53
Bisha – 6:29
Al Khobar – 5:58
Al Qurayyat – 6:49
Al Aflaj – 6:12
Tayma – 6:45
Rabigh – 6:43
Rafha – 6:25
Al Khafji – 6:05
AlUla – 6:47
Umluj – 6:50
Afif – 6:28
Wadi Al Dawasir – 6:20
Dumat Al Jandal – 6:39
Al Makhwah – 6:33
Baljurashi – 6:33
Badr Al Janub – 6:24
Hubuna – 6:27
Sharurah – 6:11
Al Aridhah – 6:27
Ahad Al Masarihah – 6:27
Ad Dair – 6:26
Farasan – 6:30
Baysh – 6:29
Ar Rayth – 6:27
Damad – 6:28
Al Mithnab – 6:22
Al Bukayriyah – 6:24
Turabah – 6:32
An Namas – 6:30
Al Qatif – 5:59
Al Mandaq – 6:34
Al Majardah – 6:31
Abu Arish – 6:28
Badr – 6:44
Diriyah – 6:13
Al Quway’iyah – 6:18
Hawtat Bani Tamim – 6:11
Dhurma – 6:14
Al Muzahimiyah – 6:14
Rumah – 6:10
Thadiq – 6:15
Huraymila – 6:15
Al Hariq – 6:13
Al Ghat – 6:19
Al Qunfudhah – 6:35
Al Lith – 6:38
Al Jumum – 6:40
Khulais – 6:42
Al Kamil – 6:40
Al Khurma – 6:31
Ranyah – 6:28
Al Mahd – 6:35
Khaybar – 6:42
Al Hanakiyah – 6:37
Al Badai – 6:24
Al Asyah – 6:22
An Nabhaniyah – 6:27
Uyun Al Jawa – 6:24
Riyadh Al Khabra – 6:25
Ash Shimasiyah – 6:22
Ras Tanura – 5:59
Abqaiq – 6:00
An Nu’ayriyah – 6:05
Muhayil Asir – 6:31
Sarat Abidah – 6:26
Tathleeth – 6:25
Rijal Alma – 6:30
Ahad Rufaydah – 6:28
Dhahran Al Janub – 6:25
Balqarn – 6:31
Duba – 6:56
Haql – 6:59
Baqa – 6:29
Al Ghazalah – 6:34
Ash Shinan – 6:29
Sabya – 6:28
Supreme Court confirms Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia; Eid Al-Fitr 1447 will be on Friday, 20 March 2026.
Source: Saudi Supreme Court
In minutes, the Supreme Court will announce the date of Eid Al-Fitr.
The Supreme Court is awaiting reports from observatories in Hail, Makkah, Madinah, and Tabuk regarding the sighting of the Eid crescent.
Eid crescent sighting continues across the Kingdom’s observatories.
As of now, weather conditions are obstructing the sighting of the Shawwal crescent in Sudair and Tumair.
Turkey and Singapore officially announce Eid Al-Fitr dates based on astronomical calculations, with Turkey marking it on March 20 and Singapore on March 21
Crescent sighting at Tumair Observatory begins in minutes.
Supreme Court session begins to determine the date of Eid Al-Fitr
Dammam is the first location in the Kingdom where Eid Al-Fitr crescent sighting begins, while Tabuk is the last where it ends.
So far, weather conditions are hindering the sighting of the Shawwal crescent at Hautat Sudair, Tumair, Arar, and Al Hariq observatories.
Observer Abdullah Al-Khudairi: The crescent will set 30 minutes before sunset this evening and will not be visible.
Observatories across the Kingdom are finalizing their preparations to sight the Eid Al-Fitr crescent.
Tabuk is the last region in the Kingdom to see the sunset.
12 observatories across the Kingdom are monitoring the Shawwal crescent through an integrated system connected to the Supreme Court.
Cloudy weather at the Tumair Observatory

Astronomer Abdullah Al-Khudairi, Director of Majmaah University Observatory: Our role is observation only; determining the start of the month is the responsibility of the Supreme Court.
Preparations begin for the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
Sudair Observatory reports mostly clear conditions with some dust that could limit sighting.
Tumair Observatory reports poor sky conditions that could affect crescent visibility.
Al-Hariq Observatory reports unclear skies that could hinder crescent sighting.
Sunset times at observatories across the Kingdom:
Dammam Observatory – 5:50
Al-Uyaynah Observatory – 6:05
Tumair Observatory – 6:07
Hawtat Sudair Observatory – 6:08
Al-Hariq Observatory – 6:05
Shaqra Observatory – 6:10
Buraidah Observatory – 6:15
Hail Observatory – 6:24
Madinah Observatory – 6:32
Makkah Observatory – 6:32
Tabuk Observatory – 6:44
Dammam Observatory – 5:50
Al-Uyaynah Observatory – 6:05
Tumair Observatory – 6:07
Hawtat Sudair Observatory – 6:08
Al-Hariq Observatory – 6:05
Shaqra Observatory – 6:10
Buraidah Observatory – 6:15
Hail Observatory – 6:24
Madinah Observatory – 6:32
Makkah Observatory – 6:32
Tabuk Observatory – 6:44
Moon sighting today will determine Eid Al-Fitr date in Saudi Arabia. If sighted: Eid tomorrow. If not: Eid the day after.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs has directed regional branches to hold Eid Al-Fitr 1447 prayers inside mosques only, canceling open-air musallas in areas forecast to experience rain and severe weather.
Source: Ministry of Islamic Affairs
Ramadan’s Final Crescent Appears
The crescent moon marking the final nights of Ramadan has appeared in the sky, signalling that the holy month is nearing its end.

Cloudy, Rainy Conditions Expected for Moon Sighting
NCM forecasts partly to fully cloudy skies during the moon-sighting period, with rain in some regions and dust-raising winds across parts of the Kingdom.
Source: National Center for Meteorology (NCM)
Saudi Arabia calls on Muslims to sight Eid crescent moon on Wednesday
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Eid Al-Fitr Expected on Friday, March 20 — Abdullah Al-Khudairi
Majmaah University Observatory Director Abdullah Al-Khudairi told Al-Ekhbariya TV that Ramadan is expected to complete 30 days astronomically, with Friday likely the first day of Eid Al-Fitr.
Source: Al-Ekhbariya TV
Shawwal crescent unlikely to be seen Wednesday evening, says Majmaah Observatory
Majmaah University Observatory said the Shawwal crescent will set about 30 minutes before the sun on Wednesday evening (March 18), making sighting unlikely. This suggests Ramadan will complete 30 days, with Eid Al-Fitr expected on Friday, March 20.
Source: Majmaah University Astronomical Observatory
Shawwal Crescent Unlikely to Be Seen on March 18
The International Astronomical Center announced that sighting the Shawwal crescent on March 18 will not be possible because the moon will set before sunset and the conjunction will occur later in the evening.
As a result, countries that began Ramadan on February 18 are expected to complete 30 days of fasting, making Friday, March 20, 2026, the likely date for Eid Al-Fitr.
As a result, countries that began Ramadan on February 18 are expected to complete 30 days of fasting, making Friday, March 20, 2026, the likely date for Eid Al-Fitr.
Source: International Astronomical Center
Jawazat Announces Working Hours During Eid Al-Fitr Holiday
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) announced the working hours of passport departments and branches across Saudi Arabia during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday for the year 1447 AH.
Jawazat stated that during Ramadan, the Passport Department in Al-Rimal District in Riyadh operates from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The passport offices at Serafi Mall and Tahlia Mall in Jeddah will operate during the same hours until the end of the workday on Monday, 27 Ramadan 1447 AH.
Passport departments in other regions and governorates will operate from Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except for the passport departments in Al-Baha and Al-Jouf, which will operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
During the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, the Passport Department in Al-Rimal, Riyadh will operate from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, while the passport departments in Al-Baha and Al-Jouf will operate from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Passport departments in other regions and governorates will operate from Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The first days of Eid Al-Fitr will be an official holiday for all passport departments and branches across the Kingdom.
Jawazat also confirmed its readiness to handle emergency cases that cannot be completed through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platforms, including Absher, Absher Business, and Muqeem. Beneficiaries can also use the Tawasul service to submit requests for transactions that cannot be completed electronically without visiting passport offices.
Jawazat stated that during Ramadan, the Passport Department in Al-Rimal District in Riyadh operates from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The passport offices at Serafi Mall and Tahlia Mall in Jeddah will operate during the same hours until the end of the workday on Monday, 27 Ramadan 1447 AH.
Passport departments in other regions and governorates will operate from Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except for the passport departments in Al-Baha and Al-Jouf, which will operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
During the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, the Passport Department in Al-Rimal, Riyadh will operate from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, while the passport departments in Al-Baha and Al-Jouf will operate from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Passport departments in other regions and governorates will operate from Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The first days of Eid Al-Fitr will be an official holiday for all passport departments and branches across the Kingdom.
Jawazat also confirmed its readiness to handle emergency cases that cannot be completed through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platforms, including Absher, Absher Business, and Muqeem. Beneficiaries can also use the Tawasul service to submit requests for transactions that cannot be completed electronically without visiting passport offices.
Source: General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
Saudi Public Security Urges Donations Only Through Official Approved Platforms
Public Security urges the public to donate only through officially approved platforms to ensure aid reaches legitimate beneficiaries.
Source: Public Security
Haramain High-Speed Train increases trips during last 10 days of Ramadan
Haramain High Speed Railway increases daily trips to more than 140 during the final 10 days of Ramadan.
Source: SAR
Saudi astronomer forecasts Eid Al-Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026
Saudi astronomer Dr. Khalid Al-Zaaq expects Ramadan 1447 AH to complete 30 days, with Eid Al-Fitr likely to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026. The final date will be confirmed after the official moon sighting.
Source: Dr. Khalid Al-Zaaq
Saudi Banks to Close for Eid Al-Fitr from March 17 to 23
According to SAMA, Eid Al-Fitr holidays for financial institutions in Saudi Arabia will be from March 17 to 23, 2026, while the Saudi Instant Payment System (SARIE) will be closed from March 19 to 22, 2026.
Source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)
Saudi Arabia Announces 4-Day Eid Al Fitr Holiday for Private Sector
The Ministry of Human Resources confirmed a 4-day Eid Al Fitr holiday for private sector employees. Holiday starts end of working day on Wednesday, 18 March. Work resumes Sunday, 23 March 2026.
Source: Ministry of Human Resources
Expat Quick Guide: Eid 2026
Moon Sighting Protocol
The Supreme Court calls for moon sighting on the 29th of Ramadan. If sighted, Eid is the next day. If not, Ramadan completes 30 days.Private Sector Holidays
Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD) officially mandates a minimum 4-day paid holiday for private sector employees.Supermarkets & Malls
Major chains like Panda, Lulu, and Othaim remain open on Eid day, but usually open after Eid prayers. Malls are fully operational with extended evening hours during Eid week.
