Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Start Date Insights

Start of Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Fasting Month May Begin on February 19

Residents of the United Arab Emirates are eagerly preparing for Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Although the lunar calendar officially marks the start of Ramadan on the first day of the month, in many Islamic countries the beginning of the fasting month is determined by the actual sighting of the crescent moon. Therefore, each year the timing and location of the crescent moon's visibility are crucial.

The Significance of Lunar Phases in Defining Ramadan

The start of Ramadan every year aligns with the appearance of the new crescent moon, which marks the end of the month of Sha'ban and the onset of Ramadan. In 2026, astronomical calculations suggest that attempts will be made to observe the new moon on Tuesday, February 17. However, during this period, the moon sets before sunset across almost every region of the Islamic world, making the sighting nearly impossible.

According to experts from the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomy Centre, observing the crescent moon on February 17 is not just challenging but astronomically impossible. For instance, in the UAE, the moon sets one minute before the sun, it sets 42 seconds before the sun in Riyadh, and only a few minutes after in cities like Cairo or Algeria. However, this still doesn’t provide enough time for the crescent to appear.

Why Isn’t the Crescent Moon Visible?

The precursory formation of the new moon before Ramadan begins when the sun and moon are in conjunction. For the crescent to be visible, several hours must pass after this alignment, with them separating at an adequate angle in the sky. In 2026, on February 17, the alignment is too close to sunset, preventing the new moon from reflecting enough light to be visible, even through telescopes.

Further evidence comes from an annular solar eclipse occurring on February 17 in the afternoon, coinciding with sunset in many Asian and Middle Eastern regions. This celestial event starkly indicates the new moon is not yet visible.

Why Are False Crescent Sightings Warned Against?

Annually, there are instances where individuals—either mistakenly or for sensationalism—falsely claim to have seen the crescent moon. Such cases pose a significant risk of some communities commencing Ramadan on incorrect dates, leading to discrepancies among Islamic practices. The astronomy center strongly emphasizes that wherever the moon sets before or simultaneously with the sun, no crescent can be seen, neither with the naked eye, telescopes, nor any other technology.

When Will Ramadan Begin?

Most Arab countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, will conclude the Sha'ban month on Wednesday, February 18. This implies that the first day of Ramadan will start on Thursday, February 19. This timing is supported not just by religious doctrines but also scientific calculations.

Conversely, countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Morocco, or Mauritania will seek the crescent on Wednesday, February 18, as their Sha'ban month reaches its 29th day then. If the crescent is sighted, either through telescopes or under clear weather conditions, they will also commence Ramadan on Thursday. Otherwise, the fasting will begin on Friday, February 20.

Where and How Will the Crescent Be Visible?

Astronomical maps indicate that observing the crescent moon on February 17 will be impossible across most parts of the world. However, by February 18, telescope detection may be possible in more regions, like Western Africa or South America, while some green zones, like central areas of the Atlantic Ocean, may allow naked-eye sightings under clear conditions.

What Does This Mean for UAE Residents?

The beginning of Ramadan is significant not only religiously but also socially and economically in the UAE. Office hours shorten in the public sector, opening hours are adjusted, and restaurants operate under special regulations. For Muslims, this is a time of deepened spirituality marked by communal prayers, fasting, charity, and personal purification.

With Ramadan starting early in 2026—before spring—the weather could favor evening prayers and communal iftar dinners. Cooler evenings might ensure a more pleasant experience for outdoor events and visiting Ramadan Markets.

Summary

The start of Ramadan in 2026 coincides with the intersection of astronomical and religious timekeeping. Based on astronomical observations, the fasting month begins on February 19 for most Arab countries, including the UAE, while the start could delay to February 20 in others, depending on moon-sighting and weather conditions.

Precisely determining the timing rests on scientific grounds, yet Islamic tradition underscores the importance of communal observation. This duality exemplifies how modern technology and centuries-old religious practices coexist. img_alt: United Arab Emirates mosque during Ramadan.