Saudi Arabia and the UAE have confirmed that Ramadan 2026 will commence on Wednesday, February 18, as the official crescent moon was sighted. In contrast, various nations across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa have designated Thursday as the inaugural day of the sacred month, according to Gulf News reports.
In adherence to the Islamic lunar calendar, the commencement of months is determined by the physical observation of the moon. If the new moon becomes visible after sunset on the 29th day of Shaban, Ramadan will commence the next day. Otherwise, Shaban will extend to 30 days, and Ramadan will begin thereafter.
Numerous Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, have established moon-sighting committees. Witness testimonies are meticulously documented, and the initiation of Ramadan is officially announced by the country’s Supreme Court or central authority based on these accounts.
