UAE’s Astronomy Center reveals likely date of Eid Al Fitr
The UAE-based International Astronomy Center (IAC) has predicted that sighting the Shawwal crescent on March 18 is not possible, which means the holy month of Ramadan will probably be 30 days. As per the astronomical calculations, the primary day of Eid Al Fitr in the UAE will probably be on March 20, and in another nations.
Due to the moon setting earlier than the solar and the conjunction occurring after sundown, the crescent sighting will probably be “impossible” on March 18, IAC stated.
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For different nations in search of the crescent on March 19, right here is the sighting replace:
Not doable from the japanese half of the world
Possible with issue utilizing a telescope from western Asia, central and northern Africa
Possible with excessive issue with the bare eye from western Europe and western Africa
Possible with relative ease with the bare eye from most of North America.
IAC said that “it is expected that the majority of these countries will announce that Friday, March 20, is also Eid Al Fitr for them.”
However, given the problem of sighting the crescent on Thursday from huge areas of the Islamic world, it’s also anticipated {that a} appreciable quantity of nations will announce that the crescent sighting isn’t confirmed on Thursday, making Saturday, March 21, Eid Al Fitr for them.
Some numbers behind the sighting
According to IAC, the bottom values for a crescent that was doable to sight with the bare eye have been
Crescent persistence: 29 minutes. This refers back to the period a crescent moon stays seen above the horizon
Crescent’s age: 15 hours, 33 minutes
Angular distance from the solar: 7.6 levels.
However, exceeding any of these values isn’t enough for sighting, as these components are interconnected and have to be studied collectively, the UAE astronomers defined.
Eid Al Fitr holidays in UAE
UAE has already introduced Eid Al Fitr holidays for both the private and public sector. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Mohre), the vacation for private-sector staff will run from Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21.
The authorities clarified that if the holy month of Ramadan lasts 30 days, the personal sector vacation will probably be prolonged to Sunday, March 22. In the UAE, Sunday can be the official weekend.
For federal authorities entities, the Eid Al Fitr vacation will start on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and proceed till Sunday, March 22, 2026. Official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23.
