Ramadan 2026 expected to begin on February 17, astronomers say

However, the official start date to be confirmed by moon-sighting committees

Last updated: August 18, 2025 | 23:34

1 MIN READ

The official start will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon, which will be confirmed after observations on the 29th of Sha’ban.

Dubai: Millions of Muslims worldwide are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ramadan in 2026 — the holy month marked by devotion, closeness to God, and an emphasis on strengthening family bonds, maintaining kinship ties, and promoting the values of solidarity and generosity.

According to astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, in most Arab countries.

However, the official start will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon, which will be confirmed after observations on the 29th of Sha’ban.

Each country’s religious authorities and moon-sighting committees will announce the beginning of Ramadan in line with their own procedures.

The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, with each month starting upon the sighting of the new crescent moon.

As the lunar month is shorter than the solar month, Ramadan shifts back by around 10 to 11 days each year on the Gregorian calendar. Over a 33-year cycle, this means Muslims experience the holy month across all seasons.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.