Eid expected to start on June 15 – International Astronomical Centre

The first day of Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is expected fall on Friday, June 15 in most Islamic countries, the International Astronomical Centre (IAC) has said.

Eid, which marks the start of the month of Shawwal, will be determined after the sighting of the moon’s crescent.

The IAC noted that most Islamic countries will look for the crescent on Thursday, June 14.

The crescent is expected to be seen with the naked eye “with difficulty” from most Arab countries, while those in the east and southeast of Asia and Europe can see it using a telescope, the UAE’s official news agency WAM quoted the IAC as saying.

The moon crescent is anticipated to rise on Thursday 42 minutes after sunset in Riyadh, 41 minutes after sunset in Manama and Abu Dhabi, and 40 minutes after sunset in Kuwait and Muscat.

While the official start of Shawwal will only be announced after the sighting of the moon, some GCC countries have already announced Eid holidays.

On Wednesday, Oman’s government declared that both private and public sector workers in the country will be off from Thursday, June 14 until Monday, June 18. They will resume work from Tuesday, June 19.

Read more: Oman announces Eid Al Fitr holidays for public and private sector

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman also issued a directive on Tuesday to extend this year’s Eid Al Fitr holiday.

Under the plans, government and military staff will receive around a full working week off to mark the holiday. They will resume work on Sunday, June 24.

Read more: Saudi king extends Eid Al Fitr holiday