Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially announced Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr, following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent earlier this evening. The announcement marks the conclusion of Ramadan after 29 days of fasting.
Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee convened after Maghrib prayers and confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon. The Saudi royal court subsequently declared Sunday as the first day of Shawwal. Across the Kingdom, Eid-ul-Fitr prayers will be held shortly after sunrise in 19,887 mosques and designated prayer areas.
Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, has directed ministry branches to ensure that all designated prayer areas and mosques are prepared for the occasion. Mosques near larger prayer areas will remain closed to encourage residents to use the designated spaces.
In the UAE, the Moon-sighting Committee, chaired by Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, also confirmed the crescent sighting using Sharia methods and consultations with neighboring countries. The committee declared Sunday, March 30, as the first day of Eidul Fitr, with Saturday marking the last day of Ramadan.
The 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, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, extended their congratulations to the people of the UAE and Muslims worldwide on this joyous occasion.
Kuwait and Qatar have also declared Sunday, March 30, as the first day of Eidul Fitr, aligning with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will meet on Sunday, March 30, to confirm the start of Eid-ul-Fitr. The government has already announced public holidays from March 31 to April 2. According to the Meteorological Office, the Shawwal crescent is likely to be visible on Sunday, with Eid expected to fall on Monday, March 31.
