UAE announces start of Shaaban; when will Ramadan 2026 begin?
Fatwa Council confirms lunar dates after astronomical review
DUBAI – The UAE Council for Fatwa has officially announced the start of the Islamic month of Shaaban, a key milestone in the countdown to Ramadan 2026.
Following a review of scientific and astronomical data, the council confirmed that Tuesday, January 20, 2026, will be observed as the first day of Shaaban 1447 AH across the country. The decision brings clarity to the Islamic calendar at a time when preparations for the holy month of fasting are beginning to take shape for Muslims in the UAE and beyond.
The announcement came after Monday, January 19, was confirmed as the final day of Rajab 1447 AH. According to the Fatwa Council, the determination was made after close coordination with specialised astronomical authorities and observatories, ensuring alignment between traditional moon-sighting practices and modern scientific assessments.
Shaaban begins tomorrow
In its statement, the UAE Council for Fatwa said it had examined all relevant astronomical data related to the crescent moon of Shaaban. These assessments showed that the crescent could not be sighted on Sunday due to unfavourable astronomical conditions, resulting in Rajab completing 30 days.
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The council reiterated that its approach follows established national procedures, which integrate direct observation with precise astronomical calculations. This methodology is designed to ensure accuracy and consistency in announcing the start of Islamic lunar months, particularly those of religious significance.
With the confirmation that Shaaban begins on January 20, Muslims in the UAE now have an official timeline leading up to Ramadan 2026, the most sacred period in the Islamic calendar.
Regional alignment
The UAE’s announcement aligns with similar declarations across the region. In Saudi Arabia, astronomers confirmed that the crescent of Shaaban was not sighted on Sunday, January 18, meaning Monday, January 19, marked Rajab 30, with Shaaban commencing on Tuesday, January 20.
Egypt also reported that the Shaaban crescent was not visible on the evening of January 18, signalling the same transition in the Islamic calendar. This regional consistency reflects comparable astronomical conditions and reinforces the shared reliance on moon-sighting outcomes across the Muslim world.
Such alignment is closely watched each year, particularly in the months leading up to Ramadan, as it helps provide clarity on expected fasting dates and associated public holidays.
Ramadan 2026
Shaaban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar and directly precedes Ramadan, a period during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, engage in additional prayers and increase acts of charity. Traditionally, Shaaban is seen as a time of spiritual preparation, allowing the faithful to gradually ready themselves for the discipline and devotion of Ramadan.
Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. On the 29th day of Shaaban, official moon-sighting committees in the UAE will convene to determine whether the Ramadan crescent has been sighted. If confirmed, the holy month will begin the following day.
Based on current projections, Ramadan 2026 is expected to start either on Wednesday, February 18, or Thursday, February 19. Astronomical calculations suggest Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the more likely first day, although the final decision will depend on confirmed moon-sighting results.
Holiday in UAE
The conclusion of Ramadan will usher in Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of fasting. In the UAE, Eid Al Fitr traditionally brings the first long public holiday of the year, offering residents an extended break.
While official holiday dates will be announced closer to the time, the confirmation of Shaaban’s start provides an early framework for residents and businesses planning around Ramadan 2026 and the subsequent Eid celebrations.