Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Crescent moon sighting and announcements worldwide

Yemen has confirmed that Wednesday, Feb 18, will mark the first day of Ramadan. Meanwhile, Egypt has said Ramadan will begin for the country on Thursday.

Bahrain has officially confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the start of Ramadan. Following verified crescent moon sightings, communities across the country are preparing to begin a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine have all officially confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the start of Ramadan. Following verified crescent moon sightings, communities across these countries are preparing to begin a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Kuwait has officially confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the start of Ramadan. Authorities conducted traditional crescent moon observations, and communities across the country are now preparing to begin a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Qatar officially declared Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan. The announcement follows local crescent moon observations and verification by the country’s religious and astronomical committees. Communities across Qatar are now preparing for a month of fasting, prayer, and acts of charity.

 The UAE’s Presidential Court has announced that Wednesday, February 18 mark the first day of Ramadan, following a confirmation by the official moon-sighting committee.  (Click here for the Ramadan prayer timings)

The crescent moon marking Ramadan 1447 AH has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Authorities have confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of the holy month, signalling the start of fasting and prayers across the Kingdom.

As the sun sets, officials report that the sighting of the Ramadan 1447 crescent has begun in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Provinces. Moon-sighting teams are actively observing the sky to confirm the start of the holy month.

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday after the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening. Religious authorities in these countries confirmed that the month of Shaaban will therefore complete 30 days, with the first day of fasting set to start the following day.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia are finalising preparations for the sighting of the Ramadan crescent at the Tabuk Observatory, the last region in the Kingdom where the sun sets. Officials and moon-sighting teams are ready to carry out the annual observation, marking the start of the holy month.

Al Akhbariyah correspondent reports that weather conditions in Hautat Sudair are being closely monitored ahead of the start of the Ramadan crescent sighting. Officials say the observation is on track, with teams preparing for the annual lunar sighting that will mark the beginning of the holy month.

The Philippine National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has officially announced that Ramadan in the country will begin on February 19.

In a statement, the NCMF has confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted, leading to the declaration that the first day of Ramadan will fall on Thursday.

"As the national government agency tasked with providing accurate information regarding the concerns and welfare of Muslim Filipinos...hereby announces that, based on the results of the moon sighting activities conducted by the NCMF, in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Darul Ifta and various Ulama groups, as well as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the Moon (Hilal) was not sighted."

The Sultanate of Oman has officially confirmed that Thursday, February 19, will mark the start of the blessed month of Ramadan. The announcement comes after the crescent moon was not sighted, following the country’s traditional lunar observation process.

Today is the 28 of the month of Shaaban in Iran. Authorities are preparing to announce the sighting of the crescent moon tomorrow, with the first day of Ramadan expected to be either Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on lunar observations.

The Hilal Vision Committee in Japan has confirmed that Thursday, February 19, will mark the start of Ramadan. The announcement follows the failure to confirm the sighting of the crescent moon.

Abdulaziz Al Muainaa from Al Hareeq Observatory has confirmed that the sun will set at exactly 5:52 pm. He added that weather conditions are currently favourable, making it suitable for the sighting of the Ramadan crescent.

The sky over Tumair is being closely monitored as authorities prepare for the search for the Ramadan1447 crescent. With just one hour left before the observation begins, officials and moon-sighting teams are ready to carry out the annual tradition marking the start of Ramadan1447.

Pakistan has officially confirmed that Tuesday marks the 28th of Sha’ban. Authorities will announce the first day of Ramadan on Wednesday, with the holy month expected to begin on either Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on crescent moon sightings.

India has officially confirmed that Tuesday marks the 28th of Shaaban. Authorities will announce the first day of Ramadan on Wednesday, with the fasting month expected to begin on either Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on crescent moon sightings.

Today marks the 28 of Shaaban in Bangladesh. The first day of Ramadan will be officially announced Wednesday, with the fasting month expected to begin on either Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on crescent moon sightings.

Saudi Arabia is gearing up for Ramadan crescent observations, with authorities calling on citizens to assist in moon-sighting efforts.

Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdullah Al Muni‘, noted, “There are two minutes between sunset and moonset during which the sighting of the crescent may be possible.”

Indonesia has officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the start of the blessed month of Ramadan, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon.

Turkey has officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the start of Ramadan, following the failure to sight the crescent moon.

Malaysia has officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the start of Ramadan, following the failure to sight the crescent moon.

For the first time, the Sudair Observatory will employ modern technologies to assist in sighting the crescent that marks the start of Ramadan.

Moon-sighting committee official Abdullah Al Khudairi confirmed that the annular eclipse will not affect the ability to observe the Ramadan crescent.

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon signalling the start of Ramadan on Tuesday evening, 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH (17 February 2026), according to the Umm Al Qura calendar.

Observers are asked to report any sightings to their nearest court. The results of the crescent search are expected to be announced around 6:00 pm (Mecca time).

Singapore’s Mufti has confirmed that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan. The announcement comes after the crescent moon was not sighted on the expected evening, in line with the country’s astronomical and religious observations.

Muslims across Singapore are now preparing to begin fasting and prayers from the declared date, following official guidance from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.

The crescent marking the beginning of Ramadan was not sighted in Brunei on Tuesday, the country’s authorities announced.

Therefore, Wednesday (February 18) will be the last day of Sha’aban while Ramadan will begin on Thursday.

In a bulletin on RTB, the country’s official broadcaster, Yang Arif Awang Haji Hassan bin Haji Metali, High Court Sharia Judge, confirmed the observation.

The announcement follows official lunar observations conducted by Brunei Astronomy authorities, in line with the country’s traditional moon-sighting process.

The Riyadh Region Municipality has completed preparations at three key moon-sighting sites in Tumayr, Shaqra, and Al-Hariq, with ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and enhance crescent observatories. These developments support the work of official committees and provide facilities for moon-sighters.

Ahead of Ramadan, the municipality continues to invest in observation locations across the region, strengthening efforts to accurately determine the start of the fasting month.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast dusty conditions, rising temperatures, and a chance of rainfall across northern areas of the UAE today, ahead of the Ramadan crescent sighting. Daytime weather is expected to be dusty, becoming partly cloudy to cloudy at times over northern and eastern regions, with possible rainfall in the north. Temperatures will rise, reaching a maximum of 32°C inland and 30°C along the coast.

Humidity is expected to increase overnight and into Wednesday morning, creating a risk of fog or mist over some coastal and western internal areas. Winds will be light to moderate, freshening at times over the sea, which will be rough in the morning before becoming moderate to slight in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

The National Center for Meteorology has reported today’s weather ahead of the Ramadan crescent sighting. The central region is experiencing generally stable conditions, while the western areas, including Tabuk, Jouf, and the Northern Borders, are seeing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with winds stirring dust and sand. These conditions are expected to extend eastward to parts of Mecca and Madinah.

On Tuesday, February 17, a solar eclipse will reach its peak in parts of southern Africa and Antarctica. Across the Arabian Peninsula, the moon is expected to set before—or nearly at the same time as—the sun, remaining in its new-moon phase. This means the Ramadan crescent is unlikely to be visible, and the solar eclipse will not affect local moon sighting.

The crescent marking the start of the new Islamic month is not expected to be visible across most Arab and Islamic countries on Tuesday evening, February 17, according to the International Astronomical Centre.

Astronomical calculations show the moon will set before the sun in many cities, making crescent sighting impossible. In Abu Dhabi, the moon is forecast to set one minute before sunset, while in Riyadh it will set 37 seconds earlier. Similar conditions are expected in Doha, Manama and Kuwait.

In Cairo, Amman and Beirut, the moon will set only minutes after sunset, but visibility remains unlikely. Honolulu in the United States is the only listed location where sighting may be technically possible, though only with a telescope and under difficult conditions.

Astronomers note that crescent visibility depends on the moon’s altitude and position relative to the sun at sunset. Religious authorities are set to convene official moon-sighting committees to determine the start of the new lunar month.

Astronomical predictions indicate that Ramadan could begin on February 18 or 19. The exact start of the holy month depends on local crescent moon sightings, which can vary between countries and communities. Different regions may announce the beginning of Ramadan on different days, reflecting local observations and traditions.

Oman has become the first GCC country to announce that Thursday, 19 February will mark the start of Ramadan 1447H. The main Hijri month sighting committee confirmed that Wednesday, 18 February will complete the month of Shaaban.

Authorities explained that astronomical calculations show the moon will set before or at sunset on the 29th of Shaaban across all Omani governorates, making visual sighting impossible, and aligning the decision with both religious and scientific criteria. (Click here for the Ramadan prayer timings)

France has confirmed that fasting will begin on Thursday, 19 February. The French Council of Muslim Faith based its decision on astronomical calculations showing the new moon conjunction on Tuesday, 17 February at 1:01 pm Paris time.

The traditional Night of Doubt will be observed on 17 February at the Great Mosque of Paris, where a religious commission will review lunar data before final confirmation.

Turkey has officially declared Thursday, 19 February as the start of Ramadan after calculations showed the crescent moon could not be sighted on the preceding observation date.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs said findings indicated that crescent visibility would not be possible on Tuesday, 17 February across regions sharing night-time hours with Turkey, prompting the decision to begin Ramadan on Thursday.

Singapore has also confirmed Thursday, 19 February, as the first day of Ramadan after astronomical assessments ruled out crescent visibility on the observation night. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, led by the Mufti of Singapore, follows a calculation-based method guided by local visibility criteria. Authorities explained that the moon would set before the sun on Tuesday, making sighting impossible from Singapore and therefore confirming Thursday as the start of the holy month.

Australia has announced that Ramadan 1447H will begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026, based on astronomical calculations. The decision was confirmed by the Australian Fatwa Council following consultations led by Grand Mufti Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad.

Authorities noted that in Sydney and Perth, the new moon will appear only after sunset on Tuesday, 17 February, making it impossible for the month to begin that evening. As a result, the first night of Ramadan and Taraweeh prayers will be observed on Wednesday, 18 February, after Isha. Read more

The UAE Council for Fatwa has called on residents to sight the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, ahead of the committee meeting at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi at 6pm.

Chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Al Mahfouz bin Bayyah and attended by Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, the committee will review reports from observatories and public submissions after Maghrib prayer to confirm the start of the lunar month.

Residents are encouraged to submit sightings via the Council’s online platform, reviving the prophetic tradition of moon sighting.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has urged Muslims across the kingdom to observe the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening, the 29th day of Sha’ban 1447 AH. (Click here for the Ramadan prayer timings)

The International Astronomy Center has confirmed that the crescent marking the end of Shasban 1447 AH was photographed from Abu Dhabi by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, affiliated with the Centre.

The crescent was captured on Monday, February 16, at 8.15am UAE time. According to the observatory:

• The moon’s distance from the sun was 15.7 degrees.

• The moon’s age was negative 33 hours and 37 minutes.

Using advanced astronomical imaging techniques, the observatory documented the crescent as part of ongoing efforts to refine moon-sighting methods and improve the accuracy of lunar calendar calculations.

For Ramadan 2026, most Islamic countries are expected to attempt moon sighting on Tuesday, February 17. However, astronomical calculations indicate the crescent will be invisible or extremely unlikely to be seen across much of the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt.

On that day:

• The moon will set before the sun.

• The angular separation between the sun and moon will fall below the Danjon limit, making visual sighting impossible.

• A rare annular solar eclipse later that day further confirms this alignment.

As a result, countries requiring confirmed sightings are likely to complete Sha’ban as 30 days, making Thursday, February 19, the probable first day of Ramadan in the UAE. Some nations may begin a day earlier, depending on their local criteria.

The Islamic calendar is lunar, with each month beginning at the sighting of the new moon. Differences in start dates occur because countries and communities may rely on:

• Local moon sightings

• Global moon sightings

• Astronomical calculations

These variations can result in a one-day difference in the start of Ramadan between regions.

Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the end of the month. For 2026, Dubai’s astronomical forecasts indicate that Ramadan is likely to be a 29-day month, subject to official moon sighting confirmation.

Early preparation helps ensure a focused, meaningful, and spiritually rewarding month. This includes cultivating spiritual readiness by setting clear intentions and planning your worship schedule in advance. It also means adjusting work and daily routines to accommodate fasting, prayers, and quality family time. In addition, organising charitable giving — including Zakat and Zakat Al Fitr — through trusted organisations allows you to fulfil your obligations thoughtfully and on time.

How to calculate Zakat

To estimate your Zakat accurately, you can use the Gulf News online calculator at: gulfnews.com/zakat-calculator