Eid Al-Fitr to begin on Thursday, Saudi Royal Court confirms

Eid Al-Fitr celebrations will begin in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. (AFP/File photo)
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Updated 12 May 2021
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Eid Al-Fitr to begin on Thursday, Saudi Royal Court confirms

  • Wednesday will be the 30th day of Ramadan

RIYADH: Wednesday is the last day of Ramadan and Thursday will be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, the Saudi Royal Court said on Tuesday night.

The decision came after Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee said the crescent of the month of Shawwal could not be seen from the Tamir observatory.

The Royal Court issued a statement saying the Supreme Court’s Crescent Department held a meeting on Tuesday evening, corresponding to Ramadan 29, according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar, to study and evaluate the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal.

“Since the sighting of the crescent was not visible, the department decided that Wednesday will be the 30th day of Ramadan,” and that Eid Al-Fitr will start on Thursday, the statement said.

The Supreme Court extended greetings to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi citizens and residents, and all Muslims on the advent of Eid Al-Fitr.

By tradition, the start of the new month is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.


Saudi aid agency launches food distribution projects in Djibouti and Guinea

Updated 21 February 2026
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Saudi aid agency launches food distribution projects in Djibouti and Guinea

  • Projects to benefit 40,000 individuals across Djibouti and 50,000 in Guinea
  • KSrelief's aid programs have reached a total of 113 countries across four continents

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has launched its 2026 food distribution projects in the African republics of Djibouti and Guinea.

The initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian relief efforts to enhance global food security for vulnerable populations, according to statements carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

In Djibouti, Saudi Ambassador Mutrek Al-Ajaleen and other local officials rolled out the fifth phase of the year’s project. It consists of 6,715 baskets of essential food items designed to support 40,000 individuals across multiple regions of the country.

In Guinea, Saudi Ambassador Dr. Fahad Al-Rashidi led the launch ceremony for a similar initiative. Under this project, 8,400 food baskets will be distributed, benefiting 50,000 people nationwide.

Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has served as Saudi Arabia's primary humanitarian arm, making food security one of its largest and most critical operational sectors. According to the center's official statistics, KSrelief has implemented over 1,150 dedicated food security projects at a total cost of more than $2.2 billion.

These specific food distribution initiatives have successfully delivered vital sustenance to vulnerable populations in 86 countries worldwide. Broadening the scope beyond just food security, KSrelief's overall humanitarian and development aid programs have reached a total of 113 countries across four continents.