Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and across the Islamic world are anticipating the start of Ramadan 2026, with the first day of fasting potentially falling on either Wednesday, February 18, or Thursday, February 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Why 2026’s Ramadan Start Date Matters
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the beginning of Ramadan is determined by the visual sighting of the new crescent moon at the end of the month of Sha’ban, though astronomical calculations are increasingly used for predictions.
Communities across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa traditionally look to the western sky after sunset to spot the youngest visible crescent moon, marking the start of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a time dedicated to fasting, prayer, charity, and reflection.
Astronomy Behind Ramadan 2026 Timing Debate
Astronomical calculations from experts at the International Astronomy Centre (IAC) and the Emirates Astronomy Society suggest a debate between Wednesday and Thursday is likely this year. The new moon is expected to be born late in the afternoon on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but conditions for sighting the crescent just after sunset will be unfavorable across most of the Arab and Islamic world.
In the UAE, the moon is likely to set one minute before sunset on February 17, making a reliable sighting virtually impossible, even with optical aids. Astronomers predict that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will be the 30th and final day of Sha’ban, and Thursday, February 19, will be observed as the first day of fasting.
Who Might Start Ramadan 2026 Earlier?
While analysis points to Thursday, February 19, some countries and communities with different sighting standards could declare Wednesday, February 18, as the start of Ramadan if the crescent is sighted. Regions in South Asia or North Africa may follow local sightings and weather conditions.
The moon sighting practice is rooted in centuries-old tradition, and variations in regional interpretations have occurred in past years.
What Happens After the Ramadan 2026 Crescent is Sighted
Once the new crescent is sighted, religious authorities and moon-sighting committees in the UAE will make an official announcement, after which mosques, schools, and government bodies will publish the confirmed Ramadan schedule, including prayer times and fasting guidelines.
The beginning of Ramadan also signals preparations by families and communities, including planning fasting routines and arranging special prayers and charitable initiatives.
Ramadan 2026 Expected Duration and Eid 2026 Dates
Astronomers and Islamic calendar experts estimate that Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, will fall around March 20, 2026, if the month completes 30 days. However, the exact date will be confirmed only after the Sha’wal crescent moon is sighted.
Why This Year’s Ramadan Start Date is Being Closely Watched
This year’s timing is attracting attention as it falls earlier in February than in some previous years. The proximity of the crescent moon to the sun on February 17 has led to caution among scientists and moon-sighting communities, reinforcing the role of scientific calculation.
Countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt are coordinating their crescent sighting efforts, often deferring to science-based criteria when visibility is marginal. While some Muslims prioritize traditional visual sightings, astronomers argue that scientific calculation should guide decisions when visibility is virtually impossible, a view gaining traction in 2026’s predictions.
For millions of Muslims in the UAE and around the world, Ramadan 2026 is most likely to begin on Thursday, February 19, based on a combination of tradition and scientific prediction. Wednesday, February 18, remains a possibility in some regions if sighted earlier.
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