Ramadan 2026 will officially begin in the UAE on Wednesday, February 18, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening.
In an official statement, the UAE’s Presidential Court announced that the Moon Sighting Committee, operating under the UAE Council for Fatwa, verified the Ramadan crescent on the 29th of Shaaban 1447 AH, confirming the start of the holy month across the country.
The announcement was followed by messages of congratulations and greetings from UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marking the beginning of one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar.
Ahead of the official confirmation, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also shared a Ramadan Mubarak post on Instagram, prompting many residents to anticipate that the official announcement was imminent.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is widely observed as the holiest month in Islam and is commemorated as the period when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). Laylat Al Qadr is traditionally observed during the final ten nights of the month.
The month typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the next crescent moon sighting, with astronomical forecasts suggesting Ramadan 2026 may run for 29 days, although final confirmation will depend on official announcements closer to the end of the month.
Based on astronomical predictions, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Friday, March 20, though the official date will still depend on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
