Saudi authorities gear up for Eid festivities on Friday across Kingdom

RIYADH: The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, meaning that Thursday was the last day of the holy month, with Eid Al-Fitr celebrations to begin on Friday, April 21, 2023, the Crescent Sighting Committee announced.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers will be held across the Kingdom just after the sunrise on Friday amid elaborate arrangements for the occasion.
Earlier, the Supreme Court on Wednesday called on Muslims across Saudi Arabia to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Thursday evening, Ramadan 29, 1444 Hijri, corresponding to April 20, 2023.
In an announcement, the Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon by naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.

The court also expressed hope that those capable of sighting the crescent moon will join committees formed for that purpose in different regions and participate in efforts that benefit Muslims.
Meanwhile, municipalities across the Kingdom geared up for the Eid festivities. Jeddah Municipality finalized preparations to welcome tourists to the city’s best sites, including parks, squares, waterfronts, beaches and hiking trails, during Eid Al-Fitr.
Mayor of Jeddah Saleh bin Ali Al-Turki called on all concerned regions and affiliated municipalities to intensify field efforts to serve hikers and visitors to the governorate so that they can enjoy their time in parks, public places and along the Corniche. He stressed the importance of raising the level of control over commercial and food establishments.
The regions Jeddah’s Municipality and its sub-municipalities raised the level of coordination and readiness in preparation for Eid. They will continue to intensify general cleaning work in these areas and other plans, in accordance with the approved operational strategy. They will also finalize the seasonal control plan to follow up on food, health and commercial establishments, and process incoming reports around the clock.