Muslims in the UAE and around the world are preparing for Ramadan 2026, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This is a time of fasting, prayer, community and spiritual reflection. Exact start and end dates as per Islamic tradition Ramadan are determined based on the appearance of the new moon or new moon (hilal), meaning officials only identify them shortly before the month begins.
When does Ramadan start in UAE in 2026? Saudi Arabia and others bay nation?
While the official announcement depends on the Moon Observation Committee of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, astronomers and religious authorities have predicted the most likely date. The new moon is expected to appear at 4:01 pm UAE time on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but may not be visible that evening as it sets shortly after sunset.According to predictions by astronomy experts in Dubai, if the moon is not sighted on February 17, then Wednesday, February 18, will become the 30th of Shaban, and the first day of Ramadan will be Thursday, February 19, 2026. In some areas or communities with varying visibility, Ramadan may start a day earlier on February 18, but this will depend on local sightings and committees.Moon viewing is a centuries-old Islamic tradition and remains the final authority on setting timetables in the UAE.
How long will Ramadan last in 2026? 29 or 30 days
The length of Ramadan varies from year to year because Islam follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. A lunar month lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on whether the new moon is observed on the night of the 29th.
Ramadan in the Middle East 2026: Start date, duration and what to expect
For 2026, most authorities and astronomical data indicate that Ramadan will last 29 days, making Thursday, March 19, 2026 the last day of fasting. If the moon is not visible on the 29th day of Ramadan, Ramadan will be extended to 30 days, pushing the last day to Friday, March 20, 2026.The exact duration will be reconfirmed with official lunar observations near the end of the month.
eid al-fitr 2026: Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, an important Islamic holiday celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawal, the day after the end of Ramadan. If Ramadan lasts 29 days in 2026, Eid al-Fitr 2026 may start on Friday, March 20, 2026.If Ramadan is extended to 30 days, Eid celebrations will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026. In the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, Eid al-Fitr is usually a public holiday lasting several days, providing time for celebrations, family gatherings, charity and public prayer.
Ramadan fasting times 2026
Since Ramadan 2026 falls in late winter, the fasting period will be slightly shorter than in summer. According to astronomical estimates, fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib), with the maximum expected duration of fasting being around 13 hours and 25 minutes later in the month.
When does Ramadan 2026 start in the Bay Area? Lunar observation predictions revealed
This shift to winter daylight hours can make fasting more manageable, especially compared to longer summer fasts.
Islamic Lunar Calendar and Ramadan 2026 Moon Viewing Traditions
Islamic months are traditionally based on lunar cycles, not just astronomical predictions. Although astronomers can calculate the moon’s birth and set an approximate date, the official determination of the beginning and end of Ramadan is still tied to local committees’ lunar observations.In the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and South Asian countries, moon viewing committees composed of astronomers, scholars and religious authorities collect observation evidence after sunset on the 29th day of Sha’ban and Ramadan, determine the date, and then announce it to the public.
Ramadan 2026 details for UAE residents
- During Ramadan, work and school schedules are often adjusted to reduce productivity and time compliance.
- As the month approaches, prayer times and communal schedules are widely published to help Muslims plan when to fast and iftar.
- There are many community events, charity events and religious events scheduled throughout the month, which intensify as Ramadan progresses.
While the exact start and end dates of Ramadan 2026 will be determined through traditional moon sightings, current forecasts indicate that Thursday, February 19, 2026, is most likely to be the first day of Ramadan. middle Eastthe expected fasting period is 29 days, followed by the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026 (if it is 29 days).
