Ramadan 2026 Start Dates for Saudi Arabia and Asia Change Fasting Schedules

Millions of people are starting Ramadan on two different days this year. Saudi Arabia and the UAE begin on February 18, but many Asian countries must wait one more day until February 19.
By Newsroom | Religion, Global |

The start of Ramadan 2026 has brought different dates for Muslims around the world. The holy month, marked by fasting, begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain confirmed Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan. However, many Asian countries, including Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and Turkey, announced that Ramadan would begin on Thursday, February 19, after their moon-sighting efforts on Tuesday did not confirm the new crescent. This pattern of varied start dates shows how different places follow local sightings, leading to a staggered beginning for millions observing this important religious period. The wait for official announcements created tension for communities eager to begin their fasting and prayers.

Ramzan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: Crescent moon sighted, Ramadan begins today in Saudi Arabia - The Indian Express - 1

Varied Declarations for Ramadan's Start

The timing of Ramadan relies on the visual sighting of the new crescent moon (Hilal). Different nations follow their own committees to make this important decision.

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

Ramzan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: Crescent moon sighted, Ramadan begins today in Saudi Arabia - The Indian Express - 2

  • February 17, 2026: Saudi Arabia scheduled its official moon sighting for this day. If the moon was seen, Ramadan would begin on Wednesday, February 18. If not, it would start on Thursday, February 19.

  • February 18, 2026:

  • Saudi Arabia: Authorities confirmed the crescent moon was sighted. Ramadan officially began on Wednesday, February 18.

  • UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain: These countries also announced that Ramadan started on Wednesday, February 18, following the moon sighting.

  • India: The crescent moon was expected to be seen between 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM local time on this day, with fasting likely to start on Thursday, February 19.

  • February 19, 2026:

  • Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, Turkey: These nations confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday, meaning Ramadan would begin on Thursday, February 19.

The first day of Ramadan for many countries was announced on Wednesday, February 18, with some others declaring a start on Thursday, February 19, based on moon sightings.

Official Announcements and Observations

Many official bodies reported their findings regarding the crescent moon.

Ramzan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: Crescent moon sighted, Ramadan begins today in Saudi Arabia - The Indian Express - 3

  • Saudi Arabia: "Today, Wednesday, February 18, marks the first day of Ramadan, the start of the holy month for Muslims in Saudi Arabia." (Article 2)

  • UAE: Announced the crescent was sighted, confirming the start of Ramadan on February 18. (Article 3)

  • Bahrain: "Bahrain has officially confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the start of Ramadan." (Article 6)

  • Oman: Confirmed the start of Ramadan on February 18. (Article 3)

  • Qatar: Announced the crescent moon was sighted, starting Ramadan on February 18. (Article 6)

  • Malaysia: "Authorities in Malaysia said the crescent moon signalling the start of Ramadan was not sighted on Tuesday." (Article 2)

  • Brunei: "Authorities in Brunei announced that the crescent moon signalling the start of Ramadan was not observed on Tuesday." Later confirmed Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19. (Article 2, 3)

  • Singapore: "The Islamic Religious Council confirmed February 19." (Article 1) "The crescent moon was not sighted in Singapore either, confirming that Thursday, February 19, will mark the start of Ramadan." (Article 3)

  • Indonesia: "Crescent moon not confirmed; Ramadan begins Thursday." (Article 1)

  • Philippines: "Ramadan confirmed February 19 after the crescent was not sighted." (Article 1)

  • Japan: "Hilal Vision Committee confirmed February 19." (Article 1)

  • Turkey: "Authorities confirmed that the first day of Ramadan will be February 19, after the crescent moon was not observed on Tuesday evening." (Article 3)

  • India: "If people can see the moon on February 18, the first day of fasting in India will likely be on Thursday, February 19." (Article 5)

Middle East Confirms Early Start

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain all confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, February 17, making Wednesday, February 18, the first day of Ramadan.

Ramzan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: Crescent moon sighted, Ramadan begins today in Saudi Arabia - The Indian Express - 4

  • This synchronized start across several key Middle Eastern nations reflects a shared sighting result.

  • The announcement from Saudi Arabia, a significant religious center, often influences other regions.

  • Residents in these countries began their first fast from Sehri (pre-dawn meal) on Wednesday.

Southeast Asian Nations Follow Later

Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines announced a different start date. Their official committees reported that the crescent moon was not sighted locally on Tuesday, February 17.

  • As a result, these nations declared Thursday, February 19, as the beginning of Ramadan.

  • This shows how local observations are followed in different parts of the world.

  • Communities in these areas prepared for their first fast to begin on Thursday morning.

Other Regions Declare Varied Dates

Beyond the Middle East and Southeast Asia, other countries also made their announcements.

  • Turkey confirmed February 19 as the first day of Ramadan after their moon sighting on Tuesday did not find the crescent.

  • Japan's Hilal Vision Committee also set February 19 as the start date.

  • India expected the moon to be sighted on Wednesday, February 18, making Thursday, February 19, the likely first day of fasting.

  • This diversity in start dates highlights the global reach of Ramadan and the reliance on local moon sighting methods.

Conclusion

The beginning of Ramadan 2026 has shown different start dates across the globe. While Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain began fasting on Wednesday, February 18, countries like Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and Turkey are set to begin on Thursday, February 19. This difference comes from the local sighting of the crescent moon, a traditional method for deciding the start of the holy month. Each country’s official bodies make these choices, meaning the celebration of Ramadan begins at slightly different times for Muslims worldwide. Fasting hours in the Middle East are expected to be around 12 to 13 hours daily. The official announcements ended the waiting period for millions, allowing communities to begin their religious observances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the first day of Ramadan 2026 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
The first day of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain is Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Officials saw the new moon on Tuesday evening, so fasting begins immediately for these countries.
Q: Why does Ramadan 2026 start on February 19 in Indonesia and Malaysia?
Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore did not see the new moon on Tuesday night. Because the moon was not visible, they decided to start the holy month on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Q: What is the expected start date for Ramadan 2026 in India?
In India, the first day of fasting is expected to be Thursday, February 19, 2026. The moon sighting usually happens one day later than in the Middle East, leading to this different start time.
Q: How many hours will people fast during Ramadan 2026 in the Middle East?
People living in the Middle East will fast for about 12 to 13 hours every day. This fasting period starts at dawn and ends at sunset throughout the month.
Q: Why are there different start dates for Ramadan 2026 around the world?
Ramadan starts when people see the new crescent moon in the sky. Because the moon is seen at different times in different parts of the world, some countries start fasting a day earlier than others.