Events

Eid ul-Fitr 2026: Saudi Arabia, UAE, India Prepare for Festive Celebrations

Published

6 months ago

March 18, 2026

Eid ul-Fitr 2026 celebrations begin in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and India, with moon sightings set to confirm festival dates and festive activities

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and other nations are preparing for Eid ul-Fitr 2026, one of the most significant global Islamic celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.

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Communities and tourists are closely monitoring official moon sightings to determine whether the festival will fall on March 20 or 21, 2026.

The festival is observed on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, following a month of fasting.

According to the Saudi Supreme Court, the crescent moon is expected to be sighted on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, which would place Eid on Thursday, March 19, across Gulf nations.

In contrast, India and neighbouring countries may celebrate on Friday, March 20, unless the moon is not visible, in which case Eid will fall on March 21.

Eid ul-Fitr is a time for communal prayers, family gatherings, charitable acts, and festive meals.

Traditional sweets such as seviyan, kheer, and phirni are served, while Zakat al-Fitr is paid to ensure all members of the community can participate in the celebrations.

Tourism surges during the holiday period in Muslim-majority countries. In Saudi Arabia, cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah host public events, cultural festivals, and special prayers at sites including the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will feature family-friendly activities, concerts, and local markets showcasing Emirati cuisine and traditions.

In India, cities including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai will be adorned with festive decorations, special prayers at mosques, and bustling street markets selling traditional clothing and food.

Visitors can experience regional customs and local Eid bazaars, gaining a unique insight into the country’s cultural diversity.

Travel experts advise booking accommodations and flights early, as demand increases sharply during Eid.

Holiday observances, business closures, and local events linked to moon sightings may affect transport and itineraries.

Tourists are encouraged to plan ahead and monitor official announcements.

Eid ul-Fitr 2026 is expected to be a celebration of faith, family, and global unity.

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Across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, and beyond, the festival offers both spiritual significance and a chance for travellers to immerse themselves in rich cultural traditions.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”