Saudi to observe Eid Sunday

Eid-ul-Fitr will begin on Sunday (24 May), authorities in Saudi Arabia have announced, reported the Arab News.

The Shawwal moon was not sighted, meaning Saturday will be the last day of Ramadan, added the English-language daily newspaper published in Saudi Arabia.

It means Bangladesh will most likely to be celebrating the Eid on Monday, as in most cases moon is sighted here a day after that had been sighted in Saudi Arabia.

Some places in Chandpur district, however, celebrate the day on the same day the Saudi Arabia does.

Dubai-based daily Khaleej Times also reported the same, saying that the crescent - as predicted - is likely to be spotted on 23 May (Saturday).

UAE has convened a virtual meeting of the moon sighting committee on Friday, and is yet to make an official announcement, it added.

This year's Eid prayer will be performed at home to ensure safety, as mosques on Saudi Arabia and the UAE will remain closed due to the precautionary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. The authorities urged people to avoid social gatherings and follow social distancing guidelines.

Saudi Arabia has imposed a curfew in the Kingdom during Eid break to prevent coronavirus spread.