Ramadan 2026: UAE confirms first day of fasting after crescent moon sighted
Holy month begins across the Emirates
DUBAI – Ramadan 2026 will begin on Wednesday, February 18, in the United Arab Emirates after the official crescent moon was sighted and approved by the national moon-sighting committee.
The announcement was issued Tuesday evening following the committee’s meeting and formal endorsement by the Presidential Court.
يوم غدٍ الأربعاء الموافق 18 فبراير 2026م أول أيام شهر رمضان المبارك 1447هـ في الدولة.#مجلس_الإمارات_للإفتاء_الشرعي #تحري_الأهلة #ملتقى_الشواف pic.twitter.com/R920o1QRus
— مجلس الإمارات للإفتاء الشرعي (@fatwauae) February 17, 2026
The decision confirms the start of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar for residents across the country, marking the beginning of fasting, nightly Taraweeh prayers and expanded charity activities.
Ramadan in UAE
According to the Presidential Court, the national moon-sighting committee convened after sunset to review verified visual reports and observational data before declaring the start of Ramadan. Based on confirmed sighting testimony, Wednesday, February 18, has been fixed as the first day of fasting.
Authorities had earlier invited residents and observatories to participate in crescent monitoring and submit authenticated reports through approved channels. Observation efforts combined traditional visual methods with modern astronomical tools.
Across Dubai and other emirates, mosques and community centres began immediate preparations for the first night of Ramadan prayers following the announcement.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is regarded as the holiest month in Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), with Laylat Al Qadr observed during the final ten nights of the month. Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset, increase worship and expand charitable giving.
The month lasts either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent that marks its end. Astronomical projections for 2026 indicate Ramadan is likely to run for 29 days, subject to end-of-month moon confirmation.
Government entities and private sector organisations typically adjust working hours during the month, while charities and food distribution drives scale up nationwide.
Ramadan begins in Saudi Arabia
Earlier the same evening, Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, declaring Wednesday as the first day of fasting there as well. Official observation teams reported verified visibility after sunset from recognised locations, with judicial authorities approving the testimonies.
Saudi committees had deployed observers across multiple regions, including Sudair and Tabuk, with weather and visibility conditions monitored closely ahead of the decision.
With both Saudi Arabia and the UAE confirming sighting-based starts, several countries in the region are now aligned on a Wednesday beginning of Ramadan.
Countries starting Thursday
Meanwhile, several countries have already declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan after announcing that the crescent was not sighted and that Sha’ban will complete 30 days. Their decisions were based on non-sighting reports and astronomical visibility criteria.
Among them are:
- Oman
- Turkey
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Japan
- France
- Australia
- Philippines
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Uzbekistan
Awaiting final decisions
A few countries are still in the process of completing their official moon-sighting sessions and committee reviews, with announcements expected after local observation windows close.
These include:
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- Iran
Differences in methodology, including reliance on local sighting, broader regional testimony or calculation-based criteria, continue to produce varying Ramadan start dates across the world this year.