Ramadan 2026 begins in UAE, Saudi Arabia and GCC nations
UAE President, Dubai Ruler extend greetings for the holy month
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have officially confirmed Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH following successful crescent moon sightings.
The announcement was made after the UAE’s Moon-Sighting Committee convened at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi and verified the crescent, reviving the Prophetic tradition of lunar observation.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court also confirmed the crescent, with moon-sighting teams reporting clear visibility in the Eastern Provinces. Observers across the Kingdom conducted annual lunar observations, signalling the start of fasting and prayers for Muslims nationwide.
Moon sighting across Gulf
Other GCC and regional nations beginning Ramadan on February 18 include:
- Kuwait: Crescent confirmed; first fast on February 18.
- Qatar: Official declaration after local observations.
- Bahrain: Supreme Shariah Authority announces start of Ramadan.
- Yemen: Crescent confirmed; first fast on February 18.
- Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, marks the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). It is a month of fasting from dawn to dusk, spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity.
Preparations and celebrations
In the UAE, Dubai Police will fire traditional cannons across seven key locations – including Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Beach, and Expo City Dubai – to signal the crescent sighting.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai Ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended greetings, emphasising the month as a time of goodness, social solidarity, and family cohesion.
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, I extend my sincere best wishes to the people of the UAE and across the world. Ramadan is a time for reflection and generosity, and an opportunity to strengthen bonds within families and communities.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 17, 2026
نبارك لشعب الإمارات ولجميع الشعوب العربية والإسلامية شهر رمضان المبارك …
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 17, 2026
شهر كريم وموسم فضيل.. شهر الخير والعطاء وصلة الأرحام واجتماع الأسر وتطهير النفوس..
نسأل الله أن يعيده علينا وعليكم ونحن في أمن وأمان وسلامة وإسلام .. وتقبل الله منا ومنكم صالح الأعمال .
Ramadan 2026 forecast
Astronomical calculations indicate that Dubai’s Ramadan is likely to last 29 days, subject to the final sighting of the Shawwal crescent at the end of the month. Prayer timings and Iftar schedules have been shared by local authorities to help residents observe the holy month accurately.