Eid ul-Fitr Moon Sighted 2025: Saudi Arabia and Gulf Countries to Celebrate on Sunday

Islamic authorities across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and other Gulf nations have officially announced that the Shawwal crescent moon has been sighted, marking the end of Ramadan. Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025, across the region.

Official Moon Sighted Confirmation

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed the Eid ul-Fitr moon sighting on Saturday evening, March 29, 2025, after receiving verified testimonies from reliable witnesses across different regions of the Kingdom. Following the announcement, the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia extended Eid greetings to Saudi citizens, residents, and Muslims worldwide.

Similar announcements quickly followed from religious authorities in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, confirming that Eid in UAE and neighboring Gulf countries would align with Saudi moon sighting determinations.

How Moon Sighted Works in Saudi Arabia

The process of lunar observation in Saudi Arabia combines both traditional and modern methods:

Traditional Observation

The Saudi Crescent Sighting Committee, composed of religious scholars and astronomy experts, deploys teams to various elevated locations across the Kingdom after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan. These observers use traditional naked-eye methods to spot the new crescent, following the Prophetic tradition.

Modern Technology Support

While traditional sighting remains primary, the committee also utilizes:

• High-powered telescopes positioned at strategic locations
• Astronomical calculations from the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
• Data from meteorological departments regarding visibility conditions

The integration of these methods ensures accuracy while maintaining religious authenticity in determining “is tomorrow Eid in Saudi Arabia.”

Moon Sighted Variations Across the Muslim World

While Gulf countries have unified their Eid ul-Fitr celebrations for 2025, other regions follow different approaches:

South Asian Approach

Countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh typically conduct independent sightings, often resulting in Eid celebrations one day after Saudi Arabia. For 2025, most South Asian countries are expected to observe Eid on Monday, March 31, pending their own moon sighting confirmations.

North America and Europe

Muslim communities in Western countries often follow either:

• Local moon sighting committees
• Announcements from their countries of origin
• Astronomical calculations provided by organizations like the Fiqh Council of North America

Most North American Islamic organizations have announced they will observe Eid on Sunday, March 30, 2025, aligning with the Saudi moon sighting.

The Religious and Cultural Significance

Eid ul-Fitr, meaning “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It begins with special congregational prayers at mosques and open spaces on the morning of the first of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

This celebration holds profound religious significance as believers give thanks for the strength and opportunity to fulfill their Ramadan obligations. Families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and give charity (Zakat al-Fitr) to ensure no one is left hungry on this joyous occasion.

Preparations Across the Gulf

With Eid in UAE and Saudi Arabia confirmed for Sunday, final preparations are underway:

• Government offices and private businesses have announced holiday schedules
• Shopping centers have extended hours for last-minute gift purchases
• Mosques are preparing for larger-than-usual congregations for Eid prayers
• Charitable organizations are distributing food packages to the less fortunate

According to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs in the UAE, special arrangements have been made to accommodate the expected large gatherings at major mosques.

Global Celebrations

While dates may vary, Muslims worldwide share similar Eid traditions:

• Special prayers in congregation
• Visiting family and friends
• Preparing traditional foods
• Exchanging gifts
• Giving to charity

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation estimates that over 1.8 billion Muslims will celebrate Eid ul-Fitr globally within a 48-hour period.


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Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating! How will you be celebrating Eid ul-Fitr this year? Share your traditions in the comments below.