UAE to sight Ramadan 2026 crescent this evening: When to look and how to report
Public urged to scan western horizon after sunset
DUBAI – Residents across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will turn their eyes to the western horizon this evening as the country’s Moon-Sighting Committee convenes to determine the start of Ramadan 2026.
The committee is scheduled to meet after Maghrib prayer at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, reviewing field reports and astronomical data before making an official announcement.
The decision will determine whether the holy month begins on Wednesday, February 18, or Thursday, February 19. Public participation remains central to the process, with authorities encouraging residents to take part in the centuries-old tradition of crescent sighting.
Ramadan moon sighting
In the Islamic calendar, months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent, or hilal. The beginning of Ramadan is therefore not fixed by a pre-set calendar date but by observation. If the crescent is sighted on the 29th day of Shaaban, the new month begins the following day. If it is not seen, Shaaban completes 30 days before Ramadan commences.
Islamic scholars describe moon sighting as a confirmed Sunnah, rooted in Prophetic teaching. The practice is not symbolic; it requires community involvement. Muslims are encouraged to observe the sky themselves, reinforcing a shared spiritual and social responsibility.
At the same time, astronomy plays a supporting role. Experts calculate conjunction times, moon altitude and visibility criteria to assess whether sighting is possible. However, scientific data complements rather than replaces physical observation.
Mohammed Shawkat Odah, director of the International Astronomical Union, has previously stated that calculations are intended to assist traditional sighting methods, not override them.
Where to look
Residents wishing to participate should look shortly after sunset towards the western horizon. Clear visibility is essential. Open desert areas, beaches and elevated viewpoints away from city lights provide the best chance of spotting the thin crescent.
According to Dubai Astronomy Group, members of the public may attempt sighting with the naked eye. While binoculars can sometimes help, telescopes are not recommended for general use due to the potential risk of eye damage from residual sunlight glare.
For Tuesday evening, expectations are subdued. Astronomical assessments indicate that the Moon will be extremely close to the Sun and positioned very low on the horizon at sunset, making visual sighting highly unlikely even with optical aid.
The International Astronomical Centre has similarly noted that with the Moon setting shortly after or at the same time as the Sun in the eastern Islamic world, the interval is too short for the Moon to transition from conjunction to a visible crescent phase.
Importantly, experts caution against confusing the Moon itself with the crescent phase. While the Moon is present in the sky daily, Islamic months begin specifically with the sighting of the visible crescent.
Reporting sightings
Anyone who believes they have sighted the crescent is urged to report it immediately for verification. Residents can contact the UAE Fatwa Council on 02 777 4647 or submit details through the official online form shared on the council’s platforms.
All claims are carefully reviewed before any declaration is made. Testimonies are assessed alongside data from accredited observatories and astronomical calculations. Only after verification does the Moon-Sighting Committee issue its official decision through approved national channels.
The committee’s deliberations typically include field observations from across the Emirates, ensuring that reports are cross-checked and authenticated.
Astronomers watching
Despite predictions of extremely difficult visibility, astronomical teams across the country will still conduct observation attempts. Their role includes using telescopes and imaging equipment to document sky conditions and determine whether any detection is possible.
Their findings will be compared with regional and global reports. Even when scientific projections indicate that sighting is improbable, observational attempts are carried out to maintain procedural integrity.
Earlier this week, the last crescent of Shaaban was photographed on Monday, February 16, at 8.15am UAE time from Abu Dhabi. The image was captured by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, affiliated with the International Astronomical Centre. The documentation of lunar phases in the days leading up to Ramadan forms part of broader astronomical monitoring efforts.
Eclipse explained
A solar eclipse is also set to occur tonight. However, it will not be visible in the UAE and is not expected to affect moon sighting procedures.
According to the Dubai Astronomy Group, the eclipse will take place prior to sunset. As moon sighting efforts begin only after sunset, the eclipse will have no impact on the visibility or evaluation of the crescent.
Experts reiterate that because the Moon will set before or almost simultaneously with the Sun in much of the eastern Islamic world, the window for visibility remains too narrow for a crescent to form that can be seen with the naked eye.
Ramadan across the world
While the UAE awaits confirmation, several countries have already announced the start of Ramadan 2026. Turkey, Australia, Oman and Singapore have declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of the holy month.
Oman became the first GCC country to announce its date, relying primarily on scientific data ahead of widespread moon-sighting efforts scheduled for February 17 in many other nations.
The beginning of Ramadan is not uniform worldwide. Differences arise due to varying moon-sighting methodologies. Broadly, four approaches are used internationally.
The first is local physical sighting, known as ru’yah, where confirmation depends on actual naked-eye observation after Maghrib prayer. The second relies primarily on astronomical calculations, using conjunction timing, lunar altitude and visibility models.
A third method involves following the official announcement or calendar of another country with an established Islamic authority. The fourth, a hybrid approach, combines scientific calculations with physical sighting to reach a determination.