Ramadan 2026 Starts February 18 in Saudi Arabia and UAE After Moon Sighting

Ramadan 2026 starts on February 18 in Saudi Arabia and UAE, with many other countries beginning on February 19. This is based on confirmed moon sightings.
By Newsroom | Religion, Middle East |

The start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan for 2026 has been confirmed, with moon sighting announcements made in several countries. This confirmation marks the beginning of a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide.

Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: Gulf nations mark start of Ramadan; Dubai HR Dept. revises public sector working hours - The Indian Express - 1

Setting the Date: Moon Sighting and Initial Declarations

The commencement of Ramadan is traditionally determined by the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal). In 2026, this critical observation has led to varying start dates across different regions.

Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: Gulf nations mark start of Ramadan; Dubai HR Dept. revises public sector working hours - The Indian Express - 2

  • Saudi Arabia, a pivotal location for moon sightings, announced the confirmation of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening. Consequently, Wednesday, February 18, was declared the first day of Ramadan in the Kingdom.

  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also confirmed the sighting of the new moon on Tuesday evening, aligning with Saudi Arabia and officially marking Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of the holy month.

  • Qatar and Bahrain also officially confirmed Wednesday, February 18, as the start date for Ramadan.

  • Oman, Malaysia, and Indonesia, relying on visual clarity and local sightings, have opted for a Thursday, February 19, start date.

Varied Observance Dates Worldwide

While the initial sightings in the Arabian Peninsula set a precedent, the global observance of Ramadan has seen a range of commencement dates.

Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: Gulf nations mark start of Ramadan; Dubai HR Dept. revises public sector working hours - The Indian Express - 3

  • India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are generally observing Ramadan starting on Thursday, February 19. This is often attributed to differences in moon visibility and viewing angles compared to Gulf countries.

  • Turkey, Brunei, and Singapore also confirmed Thursday, February 19, as their start date, with reports indicating the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening in these regions.

  • France, Australia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Azerbaijan have also announced February 19 as the start of Ramadan.

  • Some regions, including parts of the United Kingdom, are beginning their fast on Thursday, February 19, if following local sightings.

Dubai's Public Sector Adjustments

In parallel with the commencement of Ramadan, the Dubai Human Resources Department has announced revised working hours for public sector employees. This initiative aims to support flexible workplace policies, enhance employee well-being, and maintain productivity.

Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: Gulf nations mark start of Ramadan; Dubai HR Dept. revises public sector working hours - The Indian Express - 4

  • Employees will have flexible start times, between 7 am and 10 am, provided they complete their daily required hours.

  • Eligible employees may also work remotely for up to two days a week, depending on their job nature, to foster family stability during the holy month.

Understanding Ramadan's Lunar Basis

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is based on the lunar Hijri system. This lunar calendar is approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, causing Ramadan to shift through the seasons over a 33-year cycle. The precise start and end dates depend on the sighting of the new crescent moon.

Read More: Why Ramadan 2026 Started on Different Days Around the World

  • The Islamic calendar is inherently lunar, meaning its months begin with the sighting of the new moon.

  • This reliance on visual confirmation can lead to variations in start dates between different countries and communities.

  • The holy month typically lasts for 29 or 30 days, concluding with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Expert Analysis and Observations

The practice of moon sighting for determining Ramadan's start is a deeply ingrained tradition, though it presents logistical and observational challenges.

  • “The moon-sighting process is not uniform across the Muslim world," highlighting the inherent complexities in establishing a single, globally synchronized start date.

  • Astronomical predictions offer guidance, suggesting potential start dates around February 18 or 19, but the final decision rests on actual visual confirmation.

  • The tradition of looking for the crescent moon, or 'Hilal', after sunset prayers is a central element in the commencement of the fasting month.

Conclusion and Implications

The confirmed moon sightings have established Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the start of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, while other regions, including India and much of Asia, began observing the holy month on Thursday, February 19. These varying dates underscore the lunar basis of the Islamic calendar and the global reliance on visual moon sighting. The adjustments in Dubai's public sector working hours reflect an ongoing effort to integrate workplace flexibility with the observance of religious and cultural traditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does Ramadan 2026 start in Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
Ramadan 2026 started on Wednesday, February 18, in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This was confirmed after the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening.
Q: Which countries are starting Ramadan on February 19, 2026?
Countries like Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Brunei, Singapore, France, Australia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Azerbaijan are starting Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This is due to differences in moon visibility.
Q: What are the new working hours in Dubai for Ramadan 2026?
Dubai's public sector employees have flexible start times between 7 am and 10 am, and can work remotely up to two days a week. This change is to support employees during the holy month.
Q: Why do Ramadan start dates change each year?
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 10-12 days shorter than the solar year. The start date depends on the visual sighting of the new crescent moon, which can vary by location.
Q: How long does Ramadan last?
The holy month of Ramadan typically lasts for 29 or 30 days. It ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.