Eid al-Fitr 2026: Saudi Arabia Says Weather Conditions Still Unclear

Saudi Arabian authorities have said weather conditions remain unclear as the country begins efforts to sight the Shawwal crescent, the moon that will mark the end of Ramadan and determine the date for Eid al-Fitr 2026.

Officials said poor visibility at some of the kingdom’s main observatories may make the moon sighting difficult. At Al-Hariq Observatory, observers reported that weather conditions were not favourable, making it harder to confirm the crescent. Sudair Observatory also recorded cloudy skies, adding to the uncertainty around the process.

According to officials at Al-Hariq, the weather is still not clear, and this could affect the sighting of the Eid crescent. This has left many Muslims waiting for an official update on whether Shawwal has begun.

Meanwhile, Dammam Observatory, said to be one of the earliest locations preparing for the exercise, has already started observations. The moon sighting process is still ongoing, and no final decision had been announced at the time this report was filed.

The development means the official confirmation of Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia is still uncertain for now, as the celebration depends on the successful sighting of the new moon.

Elsewhere in the region, Oman has also announced plans for its moon sighting exercise. Authorities in the country said the main committee for moon sighting will meet on Thursday, March 19, to observe the crescent moon for Shawwal 1447 AH.

Oman has also called on citizens and residents to look out for the crescent and report any confirmed sighting to the relevant committees. The move shows that preparations for Eid are already underway across the Gulf, even as weather conditions may affect visibility in some areas.

With Ramadan drawing to a close, Muslims across Saudi Arabia and beyond are now waiting for the official announcement that will confirm the end of the fasting month and the start of Eid al-Fitr.