Only 3 months left: UAE astronomers announce expected Ramadan and Eid dates

Dubai: The countdown to Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, has begun, with astronomers confirming that only three lunar months remain before its arrival.

The update follows calculations from Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, who revealed that the crescent of Jumada Al Akhirah, the sixth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, will be born on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 10:47 a.m. UAE time.

According to Al Jarwan, the crescent will set before sunset on Thursday and will not be visible that evening, meaning Jumada Al Akhirah will begin on Saturday, November 22, after the completion of 30 days of Jumada Al Ula. With the new month’s arrival, astronomers say the three-month countdown to Ramadan has started.

Astronomical projections indicate that the crescent marking the start of Ramadan 1447 AH will form on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, though sighting conditions that night may be difficult.

Based on these calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, and is likely to run a full 30 days.

If Ramadan does indeed complete 30 days, as current forecasts suggest, residents across the UAE can expect an extended Eid Al Fitr break. Under the approved holiday calendar, Day 30 of Ramadan is added to the Eid holiday, resulting in what is expected to be a four-day weekend from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, with work resuming on Monday.

Al Jarwan also noted that Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, marking the end of the fasting month and ushering in one of the most important religious celebrations of the year.

Eid begins with the dawn prayer and is followed by family gatherings, charitable giving, and community festivities across the country.

As with all Islamic dates, the final confirmation will depend on official moon-sighting committees.