MUSCAT – Oman has officially announced that Monday, March 31, 2025, will mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening.
The decision confirms that the Islamic month of Ramadan will complete 30 days, in line with astronomical forecasts that predicted the crescent moon would not be visible from most of the Arab and Islamic world on March 29.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) called on citizens and residents to participate in the Shawwal moon observation on Saturday evening, corresponding to the 29th of Ramadan 1446 AH. However, no confirmed sightings were reported.
According to the International Astronomical Center, sighting the crescent moon on March 29 was impossible across the eastern hemisphere, including Oman, even with the use of telescopes or advanced imaging tools. The crescent could only be seen by telescope in parts of the Americas, and with the naked eye only from the Pacific to the western U.S.
“For countries that require a reliable crescent sighting, Ramadan is expected to last 30 days,” the center stated, adding that under such conditions, it is customary for Eid Al Fitr to fall on Monday, March 31.
In line with Royal Orders, Oman had already declared that the Eid Al Fitr holiday for both public and private sectors would begin on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
With Eid confirmed for Monday, March 31, the holiday will span the full week. Official work will resume on Sunday, April 6, 2025, giving workers an extended break to celebrate with family and friends.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, a time of joy, prayer, and community gatherings. Across Oman, families are now preparing for the upcoming festivities—welcoming loved ones, sharing traditional meals, and distributing Eidiya (gift money) to children.
With the date now confirmed, the Sultanate joins several other nations in observing Eid on Monday, while countries that reported a moon sighting earlier—such as Saudi Arabia—will celebrate on Sunday.