Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have confirmed Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr after the Shawwal crescent was sighted earlier this evening, Arab media reported.
Eid marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, celebrated on Shawwal 1.
Saudi Arabia's moon-sighting committee convened after Maghrib prayers and verified the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Ramadan after 29 days of fasting.
The Saudi royal court announced that the first day of Shawwal will be Sunday, March 30, 2025, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
With 19,887 mosques and prayer areas across the Kingdom, the Eidul Fitr prayer will take place in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, shortly after sunrise.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh, has directed ministry branches to ensure the prayer is held in all designated Eid prayer areas and mosques, except those near prayer areas, where residents will use their local spaces.
Meanwhile, the UAE's Moon-sighting Committee also announced that Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the first day of Eidul Fitr, with today, Saturday, March 29, being the last day of Ramadan.
Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Committee, confirmed that the Shawwal crescent was successfully spotted after utilizing Sharia methods and consulting with neighboring countries. Therefore, March 30 is declared the first day of Eidul Fitr.
The minister and committee members extended their warm congratulations to UAE leadership, including President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as to the Supreme Council Members, Rulers of the Emirates, and Crown Princes.
They also congratulated the UAE people and Muslims worldwide on this joyous occasion.
Additionally, Kuwait and Qatar have officially declared Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the first day of Eidul Fitr, with Saturday, March 29 marking the last day of Ramadan.
In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will hold a moon-sighting meeting on Sunday to confirm the start of Eidul Fitr. The government has already declared three holidays from March 31 to April 2 for the occasion.
According to the Meteorological Office, Eidul Fitr is expected to fall on March 31, with the Shawwal crescent likely visible in Pakistan on Sunday, March 30.
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