Which countries will celebrate Eid on Friday

Eid congregation. AP File Photo

Several countries have announced that Eid Al Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, 2026, after completing 30 days of Ramadan and failing to sight the Shawwal crescent.

Among the nations confirming Friday for Eid are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey and Australia, reports GulfNews. Plus there are many countries in Asia, Euro[e and North America where Muslims celebrate Eid on the days Saudi Arabia celebrates the religious festival.

How moon sightings and calculations determined Eid

Crescent not sighted

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait reported that the crescent was not sighted, setting Friday as Eid.

Calculations determine Eid

Turkey: Astronomical calculations determined Friday as Eid.

Australia: Calculations and moon observations confirmed Friday as Eid.

Official announcements

Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq have officially announced that Friday, March 20, will be the day of Eid Al Fitr.

Meanwhile, Singapore has announced that Saturday, March 21, will be Eid Al Fitr in the country, due to the impossibility of sighting the crescent from Singapore on Thursday.

Which countries will sight the Shawwal crescent tomorrow?

While some countries will attempt to sight the crescent on Wednesday, March 18, others will hold moon-sighting moments on Thursday, March 19. In many nations, the 29th of Ramadan falls tomorrow, meaning Eid could be on Friday or Saturday, according to the Astronomy Centre.

Countries observing the crescent tomorrow include: Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, parts of Iraq, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania.

Residents are advised to follow official announcements for prayer timings and celebrations to ensure a safe and joyful start to Eid Al-Fitr. - UNB