Indonesian Embassies in Riyadh and UAE to Forego Congregational Eid Prayers Due to Middle East Conflict
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Riyadh has announced that it will not hold communal Eid prayers for Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. This decision was taken in light of the unconducive situation in the Middle East.
According to Antara on Friday (20/3/2026), KBRI Riyadh urges Indonesian citizens (WNI) to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the nearest mosque, follow instructions from local authorities, and monitor official information from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Government and KBRI Riyadh.
KBRI also expresses its hope that the entire community remains safe and can welcome Eid al-Fitr with solemnity.
In contrast to KBRI in Riyadh, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah will still hold Eid al-Fitr prayers on 1 Syawal 1447 H at the Consul General’s Residence in Jeddah on Friday (20/3) local time, followed by a griya event.
Several KBRI in the Middle East have also decided not to hold Eid al-Fitr events. One of them is KBRI Muscat in Oman. The Indonesian Ambassador to Oman, Mohamad Irzan Djohan, stated that the decision was taken considering the ongoing developments in the Middle East region have not improved.
“We took this step as a form of caution and responsibility to prioritise collective security and comfort,” said Ambassador Irzan in a KBRI Muscat letter dated 16 March.
Ambassador Irzan acknowledged that the decision was not easy because Eid al-Fitr prayers and halal bihalal activities at KBRI are highly anticipated moments by the Indonesian community in Oman as opportunities for bonding and togetherness.
He hopes that the cancellation of the event does not diminish the solemnity of Eid al-Fitr for WNI in Oman, while reminding them to always monitor developments and care for one another.
Another Indonesian representative cancelling Eid al-Fitr events for security reasons is KBRI Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UEA). Indonesian Ambassador to UEA Judha Nugraha advises the Indonesian diaspora in UEA to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the nearest mosque from their residences, while paying attention to the security situation and instructions from local authorities.
“We hope for understanding from the entire Indonesian community regarding this step, which is taken solely to safeguard collective safety and security,” said Ambassador Judha.
In addition to KBRI Muscat and KBRI Abu Dhabi, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Dubai, UEA, is another Indonesian representative in the Gulf region that has cancelled communal Eid al-Fitr prayers.
KJRI Dubai, through its social media, stated that the decision was taken based on security considerations in the region.