Oman has officially announced a five-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday from March 19 to March 23, 2026, for both public and private sector employees, according to a government notification.

Authorities confirmed that official work will resume on March 24, 2026, after the Eid holidays conclude.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a major Islamic festival celebrated with special morning prayers, family gatherings, charity donations, and festive meals.

Expected Eid Date in Oman and Other Countries

Astronomical estimates suggest that Ramadan is likely to complete 30 days this year, meaning Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, in several countries. However, the final confirmation will depend on official moon sighting announcements.

Pakistan’s Moon Sighting Forecast for Shawwal 1447 AH

In Pakistan, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has released updated astronomical data regarding the Shawwal 1447 AH moon sighting.

According to SUPARCO:

• The Shawwal moon will be born on March 19 at 6:23 AM.
• At sunset on March 19, the moon’s age will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes.
• In coastal regions, the time difference between sunset and moonset is expected to be around 28 minutes.

Due to these conditions, the chances of moon sighting on March 19 evening are considered low.

Based on these predictions, Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan is likely to be observed on Saturday, March 21, 2026, subject to the official announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

Also Read: Eidul Fitr holidays in Pakistan official notification 2026 revealed

Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Holidays for Private Sector

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced four-day Eid holidays for private and non-profit sector employees.

According to ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Razqi, the holidays will begin after work on Wednesday, March 18 (29 Ramadan) and continue for four days.

International Astronomical Center Moon Sighting Predictions

The International Astronomical Center has also released global moon sighting forecasts.

According to the center:

• Countries that started Ramadan on February 18 will attempt moon sighting on March 18, but visibility will be impossible because the moon will set before the sun and conjunction will occur after sunset.
• Countries that began fasting on February 19 will search for the moon on March 19.

The center noted that moon sighting will be extremely difficult across eastern regions of the Islamic world, though it may be partially visible using telescopes in parts of West Asia, Central Africa, and North Africa.

In Western Europe and West Africa, naked-eye visibility will be very difficult, while many regions of North America may have better chances of sighting the moon.

Due to these astronomical conditions, experts predict that many countries may celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr either on March 20 or March 21, depending on moon visibility and official announcements.

Global Preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr

Muslim-majority countries around the world are preparing for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, one of the most important festivals in Islam.

The holiday marks the completion of fasting during Ramadan and is traditionally celebrated with Eid prayers, family visits, charity (Zakat-ul-Fitr), and festive meals.