Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on March 20 after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted.
The moon-sighting committee met and confirmed that the new moon was not visible, leading to the completion of 30 days of Ramzan before the festival. The announcement follows the traditional practice of determining Islamic months based on lunar sighting.
Earlier, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development had declared that Eid holidays for employees in the private and non-profit sectors would begin from the evening of March 18 and continue for four days, in line with labour regulations.
Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al Ruzaiqi had said the early announcement was made to help organisations plan work schedules while ensuring employees are able to observe the festival break.
