Sharjah Observatory Forecasts Friday March 20 Start for Eid Al Fitr in UAE
Sharjah, Sunday, 8 March 2026.
Astronomers calculate a March 20 start for Eid Al Fitr as Ramadan completes 30 days, signaling a significant holiday period that will impact regional financial markets.
Astronomical Data Points to Friday Start for Shawwal
The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) has issued a precise forecast indicating that Eid Al Fitr is expected to commence on Friday, March 20, 2026 [1][2]. According to the observatory’s analysis, the holy month of Ramadan is projected to complete a full 30-day cycle for the Hijri year 1447 [1][3]. This determination provides clarity for residents and businesses anticipating the transition to the month of Shawwal, as the astronomical data suggests the crescent moon will not be visible on the traditional night of sighting, Wednesday, March 18 [1][2].
The Science Behind the Sighting
Astronomers have ruled out a sighting on Wednesday, March 18, noting that the moon is set to descend beneath the western horizon before sunset, rendering observation impossible [1][3]. Consequently, Thursday, March 19, will effectively serve as the final day of Ramadan [1]. The astronomical conjunction, or new moon, is calculated to occur over Sharjah at 4:24 am UAE time on that Thursday [1][3]. By sunset on March 19, the crescent is expected to be approximately 14 hours and six minutes old, positioned at an altitude of six degrees above the horizon with an angular separation from the sun of 6.5 degrees [1][3].
Visibility Conditions and Regional Differences
Despite the presence of the new moon on Thursday evening, SAASST describes viewing conditions within the UAE as “critical” [1]. The crescent will remain above the horizon for a brief window of roughly 29 minutes after sunset, making naked-eye observation impossible and telescopic sighting extremely difficult without advanced techniques like image stacking [1][3]. While Friday, March 20 is the likely start date for the UAE and most Islamic countries, nations that rely strictly on physical sightings without astronomical adjustments may not declare the start of Shawwal until Saturday, particularly if they are unable to validate the crescent locally [1][3]. Conversely, favorable geographical conditions may allow for sightings in Arab and Islamic countries located further west [1].