Eid Mubarak: Friday Marks Start of Eid al-Fitr in UAE
Hello everyone, the Eid vibes are still going strong, and heads are held high with pride after a rewarding holy month. Tonight, the news we'd all been waiting for finally came through, bringing joy to our hearts, just like a child receiving their Eidiya. The authorities didn't keep us waiting and made it official: after moon sighting committees confirmed the crescent wasn't visible tonight, Thursday will complete the month of Ramadan. This means that Friday, 20th March 2026, marks the first day of Shawwal and the beginning of blessed Eid al-Fitr for the entire Islamic nation. Eid Mubarak to you all, may it bring you health and blessings.
Friday Marks Eid Across the Gulf
It's not just us celebrating on Friday; all the Gulf nations are in perfect sync. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all made similar announcements: the crescent wasn't sighted this evening, making Thursday the final day of Ramadan, with Eid falling the day after. It's wonderful news, uniting the joy in every home, from Sharjah to Doha, and Riyadh to Manama. Some sources indicated the moon was technically visible by telescope in certain areas, but the official religious sightings were prioritised, leading us to the Friday celebration.
The Warmest Eid Mkt
At the very first minute of Eid, phones light up as we start sending our well wishes. We've rounded up some lovely phrases suitable for everyone, whether it's for family or colleagues. Here’s a collection of greetings to share with your loved ones:
- Eid Mubarak to you and your family.. May God bring it back to us with goodness, blessings, and prosperity.
- May God 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 God. Wishing you days filled with happiness and contentment.
- With the Eid takbeerat, I send you my sincerest wishes. Wishing you all the best, always.
Eid Traditions and Etiquette: Completing the Celebration
Eid is more than just new clothes and outings; it's about sunnah (prophetic traditions) and love. Before heading to prayer, don't forget the Prophet's ﷺ practices: apply perfume, use a miswak (toothstick), wear your best attire, and take one route to the prayer ground and another back, so the earth bears witness for you. On Eid morning, it's also sunnah to eat a few dates before the prayer, marking the end of your fast. Other traditions 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?
In the UAE, the Eid prayer is typically held about 15 minutes after sunrise, which will be around 6:30 am. Imams will take to the pulpit to congratulate the worshippers and remind them of their duty to God. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs, with seven takbeers (excluding the opening takbeer) in the first rak'ah and five in the second—a confirmed practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
Eid in the UAE: Simply Special
Eid here has a unique flavour. Majlis (gathering places) open their doors from the early morning, Arabic coffee and dates are beautifully arranged, and children are dressed in their finest kanduras and jalabiyas. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, public spaces and markets buzz with activity as families head to parks and gardens. It's a day of pure joy, a day to leave worries behind and reconnect with loved ones. Wishing you all a blessed Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak to everyone!