Eid Mubarak! Friday marks the first day of Eid Al-Fitr in the UAE
Hey there, UAE! The Eid biscuits are almost ready, and we can finally rest our feet after a blessed month. The news we'd all been waiting for came in this evening, bringing joy to our hearts, big and small. The authorities didn't keep us in suspense for long, making it official: after tonight's moon sighting committees confirmed the crescent wasn't visible, Thursday will complete the thirty days of Ramadan. This means that Friday, 20th March 2026, marks the first day of Shawwal and the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr for the entire Islamic Ummah. Eid Mubarak to you all; may it bring health and blessings to everyone.
Friday is Eid across the Gulf
It's not just us celebrating on Friday; the entire Gulf region is united in this. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all made the same announcement – the crescent wasn't sighted this evening, making Thursday the last day of Ramadan, with Eid following on Friday. It's wonderful news that brings the same joy to every home, from Sharjah to Doha, and from Riyadh to Manama. Some sources indicated the moon might have been visible by telescope in certain areas, but the countries adhered to the proper religious sighting, so Friday it is.
Beautiful Eid Al-Fitr greetings for family and friends
As the first minutes of Eid arrive, we'll be reaching for our phones to send our greetings. We've rounded up some lovely phrases suitable for everyone, from close family to colleagues. Here's a selection of wishes to share:
- Eid Mubarak to you and your family.. May Allah bring this occasion back to us all with goodness, blessings, and prosperity.
- May Allah accept our deeds, complete your joy with this Eid, and bring us together in goodness every year.
- Blessed Eid, and may you always be closer to Allah. May all your days be filled with happiness and contentment.
- With the Eid takbirs, I send you my sincerest wishes. Wishing you all the best.
Eid Sunnahs and Etiquette.. Completing the Joy
Eid is more than just new clothes and outings; it's about tradition and love. Before heading to the prayer, don't forget the Prophet's ﷺ Sunnah: apply perfume, use a miswak (toothstick), wear your finest clothes, and take one route to the prayer ground and another back, so the earth itself bears witness for you. On the morning of Eid, it's also Sunnah to eat a few dates before the prayer, a practice that breaks your fast and signals the end of the holy month. Other cherished traditions include reciting the takbir from Fajr prayer until the time of the Eid prayer, and giving Zakat al-Fitr before leaving for the prayer ground.
Eid Prayer.. What Time?
The Eid prayer in the UAE will be held approximately 15 minutes after sunrise, which will be around 6:30 am. The imams will then take to the pulpit to congratulate the worshippers and remind them of piety. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs: seven takbirs in the first after the opening takbir, and five in the second, a confirmed practice from the Prophet ﷺ.
Eid in the UAE.. A Special Feeling
Eid here has its own unique flavour. The majlises open their doors from early morning, Arabic coffee and dates are laid out on the 'al-sufrah' (floor spread), and children are dressed in their most beautiful kanduras and jalabiyas. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, public spaces and markets are buzzing with activity as families head to parks and gardens. It's a day of joy, a day to set aside worries and reconnect with loved ones. Eid Mubarak to you all, and wishing everyone a blessed and happy Eid.