The UAE is gearing up for Ramadan 2026 as crescent moon sighting efforts are at an all-time high across the country. The official start date of Ramadan in the UAE (Abu Dhabi included) has been confirmed by the UAE Presidential Court and the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee as February 18, 2026.
In Abu Dhabi, astronomers with the Khatm Astronomical Observatory have already photographed the crescent marking the end of Sha’ban 1447 AH, laying the groundwork for the official start of Ramadan once sighted the evening of Feb 17.
This year, astronomical predictions has previously suggested that spotting the new crescent on Feb 17 may be very difficult across the UAE due to the moon’s position relative to the sun and the timings of sunset and moonset. As a result, many experts had predicted that Sha’ban will complete 30 days, and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026 once confirmed after sunset. However, it is now seen that Ramadan in the UAE will begin on February 18, 2026.
How the UAE announces Ramadan
The UAE Council for Fatwa leads the formal sighting process. Residents and local mosques are encouraged to look for the new moon shortly after sunset and report any sightings through official channels before the committee meets – typically in the capital, Abu Dhabi.
The first in the world, the United Arab Emirates also uses AI-driven drones and advanced technology alongside traditional sighting practices to improve accuracy and support the age-old method rooted in Islamic tradition.
Different dates in different cities based on crescent moon
Because moon visibility varies by location and criteria, start dates can differ even within the region:
- UAE (including Abu Dhabi): Confirmed for Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Oman: Already confirmed Ramadan begins Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Saudi Arabia: Confirmed for Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Asian countries (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines): Thursday, February 19, 2026
- South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh): Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Australia: Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Japan: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Why the crescent moon sighting in UAE matters
In the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan begins only after the new crescent (hilal) is sighted following the 29th day of Sha’ban. This method honours the prophetic tradition and unites communities in observance of fasting (sawm), prayer, charity (zakat), and reflection.
If the moon is not seen on Feb 17, most regions will regard Thursday, Feb 19 as Day 1 of Ramadan 1447 AH.
What you should be expecting next
Once the crescent sighting is confirmed by religious authorities, Muslims across the UAE – in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and beyond – can begin fasting at dawn the following day, with Taraweeh prayers beginning tonight after Isha.
Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing in the UAE and around the world!