The United Arab Emirates has officially announced that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19, following the successful sighting of the crescent moon. The confirmation came from the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, which met and issued the declaration in alignment with Islamic tradition and astronomical calculations. The committee is chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of the UAE Council for Fatwa, and includes a panel of scholars, jurists, and astronomers who validate lunar sightings using both observation and scientific methodology.
Earlier predictions by the Emirates Astronomy Society had suggested that Ramadan might begin on February 17, as the new crescent moon became visible at 4:01 PM UAE time that day. However, since the moon set just one minute after sunset, it was not visible, and the start date was officially deferred until February 19 after proper confirmation.
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims around the world through fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, and community gatherings. In 2025, Ramadan began on the evening of February 28 and ended on March 30. This year, with Ramadan 2026 beginning earlier in February, daylight hours will gradually increase through the month.
Fasting hours in Abu Dhabi are expected to start at approximately 12 hours and 46 minutes, extending to nearly 13 hours and 25 minutes by the end of Ramadan due to the seasonal lengthening of days. In terms of weather, the UAE’s capital is predicted to experience temperatures between 16°C and 28°C at the start of the month. As the month progresses, temperatures may rise to 32°C, with minimums around 19°C. Rainfall is also forecasted, averaging about 15 millimeters during the month.
These observations and forecasts are part of a wider initiative by UAE authorities to inform citizens and residents accurately, maintaining both religious tradition and scientific credibility. Ramadan remains a time of personal reflection and collective spirituality, and the UAE continues to facilitate its observance with precise planning and public awareness.
