Eid Mubarak! Friday Marks First Day of Eid al-Fitr in the UAE
To everyone in the UAE, the Eid cookies are almost ready, and we can finally breathe a sigh of relief after a blessed month. The news we've all been waiting for came in tonight, bringing joy to our hearts, like a child receiving their 'Eidiyah' money. The official authorities didn't keep us waiting long and have confirmed that since 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 beginning of Eid al-Fitr for the entire Islamic community. Eid Mubarak to you all, may it bring you health and blessings.
Eid on Friday Across the Gulf
It's not just us celebrating Eid on Friday; all the Gulf nations are in perfect harmony. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all made the same announcement – the crescent wasn't sighted tonight, so tomorrow, 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 Riyadh to Manama. Some sources indicated that telescopic sightings were possible in certain areas, but the official confirmation is based on the proper religious sighting, so Friday it is.
Heartfelt Eid Mubarak Greetings for Family and Friends
As soon as Eid starts, we'll be reaching for our phones to send out greetings. We've picked out some lovely phrases suitable for everyone, whether it's for your family or your colleagues. Here's a selection of greetings to share:
- Eid Mubarak to you and your family.. May God bring it back to us with goodness, blessings, and prosperity.
- May God accept our good deeds, fill your hearts with Eid joy, and bring us together in goodness every year.
- Blessed Eid, wishing you draw ever closer to God. May all your days be filled with happiness and contentment.
- With the Eid takbeers, I send you my sincerest wishes. Wishing you a year filled with nothing but goodness.
Eid Traditions and Etiquette: Completing the Joy
Eid is more than just new clothes and outings; it's about following the Sunnah and spreading love. Before heading 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 bears witness for you. On Eid morning, eating a few dates before the prayer is also a Sunnah, 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 Prayers: What Time?
Eid prayers in the UAE will be held about 15 minutes after sunrise, which is around 6:30 am. The imams will take to the pulpit to congratulate the worshippers and remind them of God-consciousness. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs: seven takbeers in the first after the opening takbeer, and five in the second – a confirmed practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
Celebrating Eid in the UAE: A Unique Flavour
Eid here has a special vibe. Majlises open their doors from the morning, Arabic coffee and dates are ready on the 'saffah' (low table), and children are 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. This is a day of joy, a day to set aside worries and reconnect with loved ones. Wishing you all the very best. Eid Mubarak to everyone!