Eid Mubarak: Friday Marks the First Day of Eid Al-Fitr in the UAE
Hello, UAE! The Eid cookies are practically ready, and we’re all running on fumes after a blessed month of fasting. Well, the news we’ve all been waiting for is finally here, bringing us as much joy as a kid getting their Eidiyah. The official authorities didn't keep us in suspense. After the moon-sighting committees confirmed they did not spot the crescent moon tonight, Thursday will complete the month of Ramadan. This means that Friday, March 20, 2026, marks the first day of Shawwal and the beginning of a blessed Eid Al-Fitr for the entire Islamic nation. Eid Mubarak to you and your family—may God bring it back to us all with health and blessings.
Friday Marks First Day of Eid Across the Gulf
It's not just us; the entire Gulf region is united in celebration on Friday. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all made the same announcement: the crescent was not sighted today, making Thursday the last day of Ramadan, with Eid following on Friday. This wonderful news brings a shared joy to every home, from Sharjah to Doha, and from Riyadh to Manama. Some sources indicated the moon was technically visible by telescope in certain areas, but countries adhered to the legitimate religious sighting, leading to the unified Friday start.
The Best Eid Mubarak Greetings for Family and Friends
Right as Eid begins, we all reach for our phones to send out greetings. We've rounded up some beautiful phrases suitable for everyone, whether it's for your family or your colleagues. Here’s a selection of greetings that will resonate with all:
- Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones. May God bring it back to us all with goodness, blessings, and prosperity.
- May God accept our devotions, complete your joy on this Eid, and bring us together in goodness every year.
- Wishing you a blessed Eid. May you always be closer to God, and may all your days be filled with happiness and contentment.
- With the Eid takbeerat, I send you my sincerest wishes. Wishing you all the best on this blessed day.
Sunnahs of Eid and Its Etiquette: Joy Made Complete
Eid is more than just new clothes and outings; it's about tradition and love. Before you head out for prayers, don't forget the Prophet's ﷺ Sunnah: apply perfume, use a miswak (toothstick), wear your best 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, marking the end of your fast. Other traditions include reciting the takbeerat from Fajr prayer until the time of the Eid prayer, and giving Zakat al-Fitr before leaving for the prayer ground.
Eid Prayer: When Do We Pray?
The Eid prayer in the UAE is typically held about 15 minutes after sunrise, which will be around 6:30 AM local time. Preachers will take to the minbars to congratulate the worshippers and remind them of piety. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs, with seven takbeerat (saying "Allahu Akbar") in the first rak'ah after the opening takbeer, and five in the second—a confirmed practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
Eid in the UAE: Truly Special
Eid here has a unique flavor. The majlises open their doors from the early morning, Arabic coffee and dates are beautifully arranged on the 'al-safar' (floor spread), and children are dressed in their finest kanduras and jalabiyas. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, public spaces and malls see a huge surge of activity, with families heading to parks and gardens. It’s a day of joy, a day to set aside worries and reconnect with loved ones. Wishing you a very happy and blessed Eid Mubarak to everyone.