The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to announce the commencement date of Ramadan 2026 later this evening. The Holy month is expected to begin on Feb. 18 or 19.
While committees from both countries will look for the Ramadan crescent, they have also urged Muslims across their countries to report any sighting of the crescent. The authorities will then authenticate the reports received from the people who claim to have sighted the crescent.
ALSO READ: Track live updates on moon sighting announcements here
When will the moon sighting begin?
The process usually starts after the Maghrib (evening) prayers, and the search for the crescent continues till a decision is made about the moon sighting. Reports from the field observatories, from the accredited observatories across the two countries and the testimonies received will be reviewed and a decision will be taken in accordance with the established Sharia principles and procedures.
The time for the beginning of moon sighting has been set at 5:00-6:00 PM (local time), or about 7:30-8:30 pm IST.
ALSO READ: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting: Fasts From Wednesday? UAE Observatory Issues Key Update
Saudi Arabia:
In the Kingdom, the Supreme Court delegates judges to moon-sighting sites across the country, under the supervision of King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology. The two main observatories in the kingdom are located in Sudair and Tumair.
The results of the search will be shared on the social media pages of the Holy Mosque inside the Kaaba. The social media pages go by the name of HaramainInfo.
UAE:
The UAE Council for Fatwa has announced that the committee for sighting the crescent moon of Ramadan will convene at 6:00 PM at the historic Qasr Al Hosn site in Abu Dhabi.
The Council for Fatwa has also impressed upon the people to report any moon-sightings across the country.
In neighbouring countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, and Egypt, they have their own observatories. They, however, usually follow the Saudi decision on the moon sighting.
Other Countries:
Many countries use astronomical calculations for the procedure of determining the beginning of Ramadan, and do not rely on moon sightings.
Turkey has already announced that Ramadan will begin on February 19, 2026. Their Presidency of Religious Affairs has based its decision on astronomical calculations. Oman has also followed Turkey and announced the commencement of Ramadan on February 19.
Oman has also followed Turkey and announced the commencement of Ramadan on February 19.
In the subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries, Ramadan usually begins a day after it does in Saudi Arabia.
ALSO READ: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting: Taraweeh Start Date Hinges On Saudi Supreme Court Decision
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.