Likely Eid Dates Revealed By The UAE-Based International Astronomical Center

The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre has released its astronomical report for the Shawwal crescent, which marks the start of Eid Al Fitr 1447 (2026)

According to their calculations, the crescent will not be visible in the UAE on Wednesday, March 18, meaning Ramadan will be completed as a full 30 days.

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This makes Friday, March 20, 2026, the expected first day of Eid in the UAE

The centre’s report highlights that crescent visibility depends on several factors, including the moon’s age, its angular distance from the sun, and the time it sets after sunset.

In Abu Dhabi, the moon on Thursday, March 19, will set 29 minutes after sunset, with an age of 14 hours and 12 minutes, making sighting possible only with a telescope under completely clear conditions. Naked-eye observation is considered extremely difficult.

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The Astronomy Centre notes that crescent sighting may vary in other regions. It will be easier in parts of North America and more challenging in Asia, Africa, and Europe. In the UAE, Eid Al Fitr is expected to be on Friday, March 20.

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