Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, according to astronomical calculations by the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST).
The academy said Ramadan is likely to complete 30 days, meaning the Islamic month will end on Thursday, March 19, with Eid Al Fitr beginning the following day.
According to the observatory’s analysis, the Shawwal crescent moon is unlikely to be visible locally on the evening traditionally used to determine the start of the new Islamic month.
Crescent moon visibility
Astronomers explained that no visible new moon is expected on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan.
On that evening, the moon is predicted to set before the sun in the western sky, making crescent visibility impossible from the UAE.
As a result, Ramadan is expected to continue for a full 30 days, ending on March 19.
Astronomical calculations
The Sharjah Academy reported that the moon’s surface conjunction will occur at 4:24am UAE time on Thursday, March 19.
By sunset later that day, the crescent moon will be:
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14 hours and six minutes old
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6.5 degrees separated from the sun
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Six degrees above the western horizon
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Visible for around 29 minutes after sunset
Despite these conditions, astronomers said the crescent would still be extremely difficult to observe locally, even using telescopes.
Advanced imaging techniques may potentially capture the crescent faintly, though the probability remains low.
Eid Al Fitr date expectations
Based on these calculations, SAASST said Friday, March 20, 2026 is expected to mark the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH, and therefore Eid Al Fitr in the UAE and many Islamic countries.
However, the final confirmation will depend on official moon-sighting announcements by UAE authorities.
The academy also noted that some countries may observe Eid on Saturday, depending on their moon-sighting methods and the date on which Ramadan began locally.
