Monday, 16 February 2026| United Arab Emirates| POST TIME: 5:47 am
The holy month is nearly here, and millions are waiting to know exactly when is Ramadan 2026. Read on to understand the official process and the expected dates for the UAE.
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When is Ramadan 2026?
This section provides the official meeting details of the UAE Moon sighting committee for 2026.
The UAE Moon sighting committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM. This important gathering will take place at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Emirates Fatwa Council, the committee will scan the skies to officially declare when is Ramadan 2026.
When Does Ramadan Start 2026; Expected Scenarios
A look at the two possible dates for the beginning of the holy month based on lunar observations.
The official Ramadan 2026 start date depends entirely on the sighting of the new crescent moon. Because the Islamic lunar calendar relies on moon phases, the committee follows these two possibilities
- If the moon is sighted on Tuesday (Feb 17): Ramadan will officially begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
- If the moon is NOT sighted on Tuesday: The current month of Shaban will complete 30 days, meaning the Ramadan 2026 start date will be Thursday, February 19, 2026.
How the UAE Moon sighting Committee Works
Understanding the religious and scientific methods used to confirm the start of the month.
The UAE Moon sighting committee invites residents and citizens to participate in this tradition. They use a combination of ancient traditions and modern technology to answer the question, ‘when is Ramadan 2026?’ Here is how the process works
- Public Involvement: Residents who spot the crescent are encouraged to contact 02 777 4647 to report it.
- Location: Qasr Al Hosn is the central hub for the meeting due to its historical and cultural significance.
- Expert Panel: The committee consists of religious scholars, judicial officials, and astronomy experts.
- Official Declaration: The final decision is broadcast across all UAE national media outlets once the moon is verified.
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The Criteria for Sighting the Crescent
The specific astronomical conditions required to confirm a new lunar month.
Sighting the moon is a precise task. It involves looking for a very thin sliver of light after the sun has set. To determine when does Ramadan start 2026, the following criteria are considered
- New Moon (Conjunction): The moon must have completed its conjunction phase where it sits between the Earth and the Sun.
- Sunset Timing: Observations always happen at sunset because the crescent is only visible in the twilight of the western sky.
- Angle and Altitude: The moon must be high enough in the sky and far enough from the sun’s glare to be seen by the human eye or a telescope.
- The 29/30 Day Rule: According to the Islamic lunar calendar, a month cannot have 31 days. If the moon isn’t seen on the 29th day, the new month starts after the 30th day automatically.
FAQ
- When is Ramadan 2026 likely to start? It is expected to start on either February 18 or February 19, 2026, depending on the moon sighting on Tuesday evening.
- Who decides when Ramadan starts in the UAE? The UAE Moon sighting committee chaired by the Emirates Fatwa Council makes the official call.
- Why does the date change every year? Because the Islamic lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan moves forward every year.
- How can I report a moon sighting? If you see the crescent moon, you can contact the authorities at 02 777 4647.
Conclusion
The official confirmation of when is Ramadan 2026 will bring joy to millions as they begin their month of fasting and prayer. Stay tuned for the official announcement from Abu Dhabi this Tuesday evening.
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