Muslims across the UAE and around the world are preparing for Ramadan 2026, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a period of fasting, prayer, community and spiritual reflection. As is the Islamic tradition, the exact start and end dates of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the crescent or new moon (hilal), which means that the officials confirm them only shortly before the month begins.
When will Ramadan 2026 begin in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries?
While the official announcement depends on moon sighting committees in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries astronomers and religious authorities are already forecasting the most likely dates. The new moon is expected on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 4:01 pm UAE time but it may not be visible that evening because it sets soon after sunset.If the moon is not sighted on February 17, then Wednesday, February 18 becomes the 30th of Sha’ban and the first day of Ramadan will be observed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, as per the prediction backed by Dubai astronomy experts. In some regions or communities where visibility differs, Ramadan could begin a day earlier on February 18 but this will depend on local sightings and committees.Moon sighting is a centuries-old Islamic tradition and remains the final authority for setting the timetable in the UAE.
How long will Ramadan 2026 last? 29 or 30 days
Ramadan’s length varies each year because Islam follows a lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian one. A lunar month lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on whether the crescent moon is observed on the 29th evening.
Ramadan 2026 in the Middle East: Start Date, Duration and What to Expect
For 2026, most authorities and astronomical data suggest Ramadan will last 29 days, making Thursday, March 19, 2026 the final day of fasting. If instead the moon is not sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan, it will extend to 30 days, pushing the last day to Friday, March 20, 2026.The exact duration will again be confirmed by official moon sighting closer to the end of the month.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: The festival of breaking the fast
Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a major Islamic festival celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, which is the day after Ramadan ends. If Ramadan 2026 is 29 days, Eid al-Fitr 2026 will likely begin on Friday, March 20, 2026.Should Ramadan extend to 30 days, Eid celebrations will be marked on Saturday, March 21, 2026. In the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, Eid al-Fitr is typically a public holiday for several days, providing time for celebrations, family gatherings, charity and communal prayer.
Ramadan 2026 fasting hours
Since Ramadan 2026 falls in late winter, fasting hours will be somewhat shorter than in summer months. According to astronomical estimates, fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib), with the maximum fasting duration expected at around 13 hours and 25 minutes later in the month.
When Does Ramadan 2026 Start in the Gulf? Moon Sighting Predictions Revealed
This shift to winter daylight hours can make fasting more manageable, especially compared with the longer summer fasts.
Islamic lunar calendar and Ramadan 2026 moon sighting tradition
Islamic months are traditionally based on the lunar cycle, not astronomical prediction alone. Although astronomers can calculate the moon’s birth and set approximate dates, official determination of Ramadan’s start and end remains tied to local moon sightings by committees.In the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and South Asian countries, the Moon-Sighting Committee comprising of astronomers, scholars and religious authorities, gather evidence from observations after sunset on the 29th day of Sha’ban and Ramadan to confirm dates before announcing to the public.
Ramadan 2026 details for UAE residents
- Work and school schedules are often adjusted during Ramadan, with reduced hours for productivity and observance.
- Prayer times and public timetables are widely published as the month approaches to help Muslims plan suhoor and iftar times.
- Many community events, charity drives and religious activities are scheduled throughout the month, intensifying as Ramadan progresses.
While the exact start and end dates of Ramadan 2026 will be confirmed through traditional moon sighting, current forecasts point to Thursday, February 19, 2026 as the most likely first day of fasting in the Middle East, with expected fasting duration of 29 days followed by Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Friday, March 20, 2026 (if 29 days).
