Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque in Mecca to pray, mark end of Ramadan

Muslims worshippers gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (March 20), marking the end of this year’s Ramadan in the country.

Ariel Wee/Reuters

20 March 2026 at 06:11:41

Muslims perform late-night prayers known as "Qiyam al Layl" on the 27th night of holy month of Ramadan, in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, March 15, 2026.

Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Reuters

Muslims worshippers gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (March 20), marking the end of this year’s Ramadan in the country.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, will mark the first day of the holiday on Friday, while other countries such as Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, announced that Eid al-Fitr would begin Saturday (March 21).

The differing dates stem from variations in moon sightings, which dictate the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and spiritual reflection.

Production: Ariel Wee/Reuters

Muslims worshippers gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (March 20), marking the end of this year’s Ramadan in the country.