Eid Mubarak! Friday Marks the First Day of Eid Al-Fitr in the UAE
Hello, UAE! The Eid treats are ready, and we can all hold our heads high with a sense of pride and satisfaction after a blessed month of fasting. The news we were all waiting for came through tonight, bringing joy to everyone's hearts, big and small. The authorities didn't keep us waiting and made it official: after the moon sighting committees didn't spot the crescent moon tonight, Thursday will complete the 30 days of Ramadan. This means that Friday, 20th March 2026, marks the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid Al-Fitr for the entire Islamic Ummah. Eid Mubarak to you and your family! May God bring this occasion back to us all with health and blessings.
Eid on Friday Across the Gulf
It's not just us celebrating Eid on Friday; all the Gulf countries are united in this. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all made similar announcements: the crescent moon wasn't sighted today, so Thursday is the last day of Ramadan, and the day after is Eid. This wonderful news unites the joy in every home, from Sharjah to Doha, and from Riyadh to Manama. Some sources indicated that the moon was technically visible by telescope in certain areas, but countries require verified religious sighting, so the decision was made for Friday.
Heartfelt Eid Mubarak Greetings for Family and Friends
Right at the first minute of Eid, we'll be picking up our phones to send out greetings. We've put together some lovely phrases suitable for everyone, whether for family or colleagues. Here's a collection of greetings that bring everyone together:
- Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones. May God bring this occasion back to us all with goodness, blessings, and prosperity.
- May God accept our devotions, complete your joy with this Eid, and bring us together in goodness every year.
- Wishing you a blessed Eid. May you always draw closer to God, and may all your days be filled with happiness and contentment.
- With the Eid takbeers, I send you my warmest wishes. Wishing you all the best always.
Sunnahs and Etiquettes of Eid.. Completing the Joy
Eid is not just about new clothes and outings; it's about following the Sunnah and spreading love. Before you head out for prayers, don't forget the Prophet's ﷺ traditions: apply perfume, use a miswak, wear your best clothes, and take one route to the prayer ground and another back home, so the earth itself bears witness for you. On Eid morning, eating a few dates before the prayer is also a Sunnah, signifying the end of your fast and the holy month. Other important Sunnahs include reciting the takbeer 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 is It?
Eid prayer in the UAE is typically performed about 15 minutes after sunrise, which is around 6:30 AM. The Khateebs will then deliver the sermon, congratulating the worshippers and reminding them of God-consciousness. The prayer consists of two Rak'ahs: with seven Takbeers in the first Rak'ah after the opening Takbeer, and five Takbeers in the second – a confirmed practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
Eid in the UAE.. A Unique Experience
Eid here has a special flavour. Majlis doors are open from the morning, with Arabic coffee and dates laid out beautifully on the tables, and children dressed in their finest Kanduras and Jalabiyas. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, public spaces and malls are bustling with activity, and families head to parks and beaches. It's a day of joy, a day to forget your worries and reconnect with your loved ones. Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Eid Mubarak!