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As the Gulf region celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr on March 20, residents confront a backdrop of explosions and emergency alerts due to ongoing conflict. Despite the festive occasion marking the end of Ramadan, uncertainty looms large as the war between Israel and Iran continues to escalate.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: People living in the Gulf region welcomed Eid-ul-Fitr on 20 March, amid explosions, emergency alerts, and a palpable sense of uncertainty as the war in the Middle East has raged on for weeks now.
The Eid, being celebrated in the Gulf on Friday, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan. Mint spoke with people in many Gulf nations as they prepared for special Eid prayers today.
The conflict was triggered by Israel and the United States attacking Iran on 28 February, almost ten days into Ramadan 2026. What followed was a spate of assassinations and targeted bombings in Iranian cities. Tehran responded with what it called retaliatory strikes on Israel and on the US-Israel military bases across its Muslim neighbours in the Gulf region.
“Emergency alerts on the phone and multiple explosions overhead just as we step out for Eid Prayers. May Allah keep us all safe. Eid Mubarak,” said an Indian settled in Dubai in response to Eid greeting messages.
Eid namaz is a special prayer offered soon after sunrise on Eid. In Dubai, the prayers took place at 6:40 AM (8.10 AM IST), with full readiness ensured at more than 900 mosques.
“Heard two explosions back to back in Dubai. Iran needs to give us a break on Eid at least. Eid prayer in 40 minutes,” a user wrote on X before the Eid Prayers.
The cascading effect of the US-Israel-Iran war has left an indelible mark on the region and threatens to spread far beyond. With the Strait of Hormuz virtually brought to a standstill and threatening global energy security, the economic footprint of this war has started reaching far beyond, including India, which relies heavily on energy supplies from the oil wells of Arabia. With LNG supplies from Qatar significantly impacted, the pain is being felt in millions of homes across South Asia that use cooking gas.
Under these circumstances, Eid festivities are unlikely to bring much relief to people living in the Gulf.
“This Eid is basically a thanksgiving after the month-long fasts. But the festivities are dampened this year because of the conflict,” said Adnan Shah, who works out of Abu Dhabi and decided not to return to Kashmir to celebrate Eid this time.
Even the conflict has seeped into Eid greetings this time, with messages now carrying wishes of safety and security. “May Allah protect everyone and keep us safe from all harm. Such moments remind us how precious peace is. Stay safe and everyone take care of your loved ones. Eid Mubarak,” read a message by Shahid, settled in Sharjah.
A healthcare professional in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah told news agency PTI that the Indian community in this part of the world has largely stayed put and has not panicked at all. "They are aware that this is a passing phase and that they have too high stakes to just desert the region."
Day 21 of War
The competent authorities in Dubai have confirmed that the sounds heard in several areas across the emirate were caused by successful interceptions carried out by air defence systems, Gulf News reported, as the war enetered 21st day on Friday.
Officials clarified that the noises reported by residents were the result of defensive measures that successfully intercepted aerial threats, the report said.
No outdoor prayers allowed
To ensure residents' safety, Eid prayers were held exclusively in mosques. No one was allowed to offer prayers in outdoor spaces this year. This measure is implemented in coordination with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah. Worshippers were urged to arrive early and adhere to all guidelines to ensure a safe prayer experience.
Emergency alerts on the phone and multiple explosions overhead just as we step out for Eid Prayers. May Allah keep us all safe. Eid Mubarak.
Unfazed, though, ladies were seen flocking to malls and shopping complexes to do some last-minute shopping on Thursday. Rulers and government officials have been exchanging
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Eid greetings, and authorities are working overtime to ensure everything goes smoothly, despite the additional and onerous task of securing the skies.
(With agency inputs)
About the Author
Gulam Jeelani
Gulam Jeelani is Political Desk Editor at LiveMint with over 16 years of experience covering national and international politics. Based in New Delhi, Jeelani delivers impactful political narratives through breaking stories, in-depth interviews, and analytical pieces at LiveMint since February 2024. The expertise in video production fuels his current responsibilities, which include curating content and conducting video interviews for an expanding digital audience.<br><br> Jeelani also travels during elections and key political events and has covered assembly elections in key states apart from national elections. He has previously worked with The Pioneer, Network18, India Today, News9Plus and Hindustan Times.<br><br> Jeelani’s tenure at LiveMint and previous experience at print and digital newsrooms have honed his skills in creating compelling text and video stories, explainers, and analysis that resonate with a diverse viewership.<br><br> Before moving to New Delhi in 2015, Jeelani was based in Uttar Pradesh, where he worked for five years as a reporter. In 2018, Jeelani was one of the two Indian journalists selected for the Alfred Friendly Fellowship in the US. There, he attended training workshops on reporting and data journalism, and he was attached to the Minneapolis Star Tribune in Minnesota, where he worked as a reporter.<br><br> Jeelani is a Bachelor's in Chemistry and holds a Masters Degree in journalism and mass communication from Aligarh Muslim University. Outside work, he enjoys poetry, cricket and movies.
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