Overview
- Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has asked Muslims to attempt the Shawwal crescent sighting on Wednesday, March 18, which would guide any subsequent Eid declaration.
- UK Royal Observatory guidance indicates the crescent is unlikely to be seen on March 19 in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh, with easier visibility expected by March 20.
- Qatar has set a public‑sector holiday from March 17 to 23, and Qatar Calendar House projects Friday, March 20 as 1 Shawwal, noting the moon’s birth at 4:24 am on March 19 and no visibility on March 18.
- The UAE’s International Astronomical Centre and regional outlets expect Gulf declarations if the crescent is sighted on March 19, making Eid likely on March 20, while many South Asian countries would observe on March 21 pending local confirmation.
- In India, most schools anticipate closing on Saturday, March 21 for Eid, though some calendars provisionally list Friday or Saturday depending on the local moon sighting.