The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have called on Muslims to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening, March 18, marking a crucial moment in determining the start of Eid ul Fitr.

The official decision is expected shortly after Maghrib prayers.

The UAE Council for Fatwa has urged residents across Dubai and other emirates to observe the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, March 18. This sighting will determine the end of Ramazan and the beginning of Eid ul Fitr.

Moon sightings play a vital role in the Islamic Hijri calendar, marking both the start and end of lunar months. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent signals the conclusion of fasting and the beginning of celebrations.

Committee to meet after Maghrib

The UAE Moon Sighting Committee will convene after the Maghrib prayer, expected at 6:32pm, to review reports from observation teams, accredited observatories, and public submissions.

The decision will be made in accordance with approved Sharia and scientific criteria. Authorities have encouraged public participation in reporting moon sightings to assist in the process.

Eid depends on crescent visibility

If the crescent moon is sighted on Wednesday evening, Thursday, March 19, will officially mark the first day of Shawwal and the beginning of Eid ul Fitr.

However, if the moon is not visible, Thursday will be observed as the 30th day of Ramazan, delaying Eid by a day.

According to astronomical calculations, Eid is likely to fall on Friday, as Thursday is expected to complete the 30 days of Ramazan.

Public holidays confirmed in UAE

Regardless of the moon sighting outcome, the UAE has confirmed public holidays for Eid ul Fitr starting Thursday, March 19. Government employees will enjoy a four-day break until Sunday, March 22, with work resuming on Monday, March 23.

Private sector employees will officially receive four days off only if Ramazan completes 30 days. However, with Sunday already part of the UAE weekend, most workers are still expected to benefit from a four-day long break.

Saudi Arabia issues similar call

In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court has also called on Muslims to sight the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday evening, corresponding to Ramazan 29.

The court has urged those who observe the moon -- either with the naked eye or using binoculars -- to report their sightings to the nearest court and register their testimony.

It also encouraged participation in official moon-sighting committees across the Kingdom, emphasizing that such efforts promote cooperation and serve the wider Muslim community.

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent is a centuries-old Islamic tradition that determines the Hijri calendar based on lunar cycles.

It marks the end of Ramazan and the beginning of Eid ul Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic celebrations. In Saudi Arabia, Eid prayers are held the morning after the moon is sighted, shortly after sunrise.

As Ramazan 2026 draws to a close, Muslims worldwide now await the official announcement that will signal the start of festivities.