Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the Shawwal moon on Thursday, marking the end of Ramadan and confirming that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday across the kingdom and other Middle Eastern countries. The Royal Court made the announcement on Thursday evening, confirming that the first day of Shawwal 1447 Hijri falls on March 20, 2026.

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, is observed after a month of fasting during Ramadan. The date of the celebration depends on the sighting of the moon, which determines both the start and end of the fasting month.

In contrast, Bangladesh did not sight the Shawwal moon on Thursday. As a result, the country will complete 30 days of fasting and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday, a day later than Saudi Arabia and most Middle Eastern nations.