Eid al-Fitr 2026: Expected holiday dates in Egypt revealed ahead of moon sighting

Millions of Egyptians are waiting for the official confirmation of the Eid al-Fitr holiday dates for 2026, one of the most significant religious and public holidays in the country.

The occasion marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is widely anticipated by workers across government institutions as well as the public and private sectors.According to astronomical calculations issued by the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, the first day of Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026. Based on these projections, the holiday could extend for three consecutive days, ending on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The expected dates would make the Eid break the first official holiday period in Egypt during the month of March. Employees working in the state administrative apparatus, as well as those in public and private sector jobs, typically receive time off to mark the occasion. However, the exact number of days off and the official schedule will ultimately be announced by the Egyptian Cabinet closer to the holiday.Despite the astronomical calculations, the final start date of the Islamic month of Shawwal, and therefore the official beginning of Eid al-Fitr, will be confirmed only after the crescent moon is sighted.

The moon sighting is scheduled to take place on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan and will be announced by Egyptian Dar al-Ifta.Egypt relies on a combination of legitimate moon sighting and astronomical calculations to determine the timing of major Islamic occasions.Eid al-Fitr remains one of the most widely celebrated religious events in Egypt and across the Islamic world. On the day of the festival, Muslims traditionally perform the Eid prayer in large congregations, visit relatives and friends, and exchange greetings as they mark the end of a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.