Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia

Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia is one of the Islamic occasions marked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s calendar. It falls on the first day of Shawwal each Hijri year. After completing the fasting of Ramadan and the confirmation of the Shawwal crescent by the Supreme Court, Zakat Al-Fitr is given before the Eid prayer. The Saudi government also recognizes Eid al-Fitr as an official holiday in the country’s list of public holidays.

Eid al-Fitr prayer

Eid Al-Fitr, like Eid Al-Adha, includes a special Eid prayer and khutba, which are unique to these two occasions. The prayer consists of two (rak‘ahs) and is performed at the Grand Mosque in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, as well as in large mosques and open prayer grounds across all thirteen regions of Saudi Arabia. Muslims around the world also perform this prayer. On the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, no one fasts in celebration of the occasion.

Eid Al-Fitr holiday

In Saudi Arabia, the Eid al-Fitr holiday for government entities begins on 25 Ramadan and continues until 5 Shawwal. During this official holiday, non-essential government offices are closed. Employees in the private and non-profit sectors are granted a four-day leave, starting the day after 29 Ramadan, according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar.

Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr

Eid celebrations and festivals take place across all regions of Saudi Arabia, with cultural variations depending on the region. Events are held at designated locations throughout Saudi Arabia and include laser shows, fireworks, traditional games, competitions, gift-giving, and the distribution of sweets. Saudis express their joy during Eid by hosting feasts for relatives, friends, and neighbors, and by performing the traditional Saudi Ardah dance.

Saudi Traditions in Eid Al-Fitr

Among the common Saudi traditions during Eid al-Fitr is the family gathering at home after the Eid prayer to share the breakfast meal, locally referred to as “Futoor al-Eid.” Children also line up in front of adult family members to receive monetary gifts called “Eidiya,” which is one of the festive customs holding special significance for children. Common greeting phrases among Saudis include: “Kul ‘am wa antum bikhair” (May you be well every year), “Eidkum Mubarak” (Blessed Eid), and “‘Asakum min ‘awadih” (May you celebrate it again).