Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: People living in the Persian Gulf region welcomed Eid-ul-Fitr on March 20 amid explosions, emergency alarms and a palpable sense of uncertainty as the war in the Middle East has been raging for weeks.
Eid, which is celebrated in the Gulf on Friday, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan. Mint talked to people in many Gulf Nations as they prepared for special Eid prayers today.
The conflict caused Israel and the United States attack on Iran on February 28, almost ten days until Ramadan 2026. This was followed by a series of assassinations and targeted bombings in Iranian cities. Tehran responded with retaliatory attacks on Israel and on US-Israeli military bases across the country. Muslim neighbors in the Persian Gulf region.
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“Emergency alerts on phone and several explosions above us just as we are going out for Eid prayer. May Allah protect us all. Eid Mubarak,” said an Indian based in Dubai in response to the Eid greeting messages.
Eid namaz is a special prayer offered soon after sunrise on Eid. In Dubai, prayers were held at 6:40 am (8:10 am IST), with full readiness ensured in more than 900 mosques.
“I heard two explosions back to back in Dubai. Iran must give us a break on Eid at least. Eid prayer in 40 minutes,” wrote a user on X before Eid Prayers.
The cascading effect of the US-Israeli-Iran war has left an indelible mark on the region and threatens to spread far beyond its borders. with Strait of Hormuz virtually halted and threatening global energy security, the economic footprint of this war has begun to reach far beyond its borders, including India, which is heavily dependent on energy supplies from oil wells in Arabia. As LNG supplies from Qatar are significantly affected, the pain is being felt by millions of households across South Asia who use the gas for cooking.
Under these circumstances Eid celebration they are unlikely to bring much relief to the people living in the Persian Gulf.
“This Eid is basically a thanksgiving after month-long fasts. But the festivities are muted this year because of the conflict,” said Adnan Shah, who works from Abu Dhabi and decided not to return to Kashmir this time to celebrate Eid.
Even the conflict has seeped into Eid greetings this time, with messages now including wishes for safety and security. “May Allah protect everyone and protect us from all harm. Moments like this remind us how precious peace is. Stay safe and take care of your loved ones everyone. Eid Mubarak,” read a message from Sharjah-based Shahid.
A health worker from the Saudi city of Jeddah told news agency PTI that the Indian community in that part of the world has largely stayed put and has not panicked at all. “They realize that this is a transitional phase and that the stakes are too high to just leave the region.”
21st day of the war
Competent authorities in Dubai have confirmed that sounds heard in several areas across the emirate were caused by successful interceptions by air defense systems, Gulf News reported as the war entered the 21st on Friday.
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Officials clarified that the sounds reported by residents were the result of defensive measures that successfully intercepted airborne threats, the report said.
No outdoor prayers are allowed
To ensure the safety of residents, Eid prayers were held exclusively in mosques. No one was allowed to pray in the open spaces this year. This measure is carried out in coordination with the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai and the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah. Worshipers were urged to arrive on time and follow all instructions to ensure safe prayer.
Emergency alerts on the phone and several explosions overhead just as we perform Eid Prayers. May Allah protect us. Eid Mubarak.
Undeterred, however, ladies were seen flocking to malls and shopping complexes on Thursday to make last-minute purchases. Rulers and government officials were exchanged
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: Eid namaz is a special prayer offered soon after sunrise on Eid. Here worshipers are seen offering Namaz at a mosque in Sharjah(Gulf News)
Eid greetingsand the authorities are working overtime to ensure that everything goes smoothly, despite the additional and difficult task of securing the skies.
