Ramadan 2026 in the UAE is likely to start on Thursday February 19, according to a leading astronomy centre
If you’re wondering when is Ramadan 2026 in the UAE, a leading astronomy centre has given its prediction, citing Thursday, February 19 as the likely start date for the Holy Month this year.
According to the Emirates Astronomical Society, Muslims would attempt to sight the new crescent moon, which marks the start of the Holy Month, on Tuesday, February 17. However, as per Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the society’s board of directors, it’s ‘not expected to be sighted’ on Tuesday evening. As per The National, he advised, “Ramadan’s crescent [moon] will be born at 4.01pm local time on Tuesday, February 17, and will go down one minute after sunset.”
If the moon is visible on Tuesday, Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18. However, as it’s likely that it won’t be, in the UAE and across the Arab world, it’s likely that Ramadan will start on Thursday, February 19.
How long is Ramadan 2026?
As with all months in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan will last either 29 or 30 days, with the last day of Ramadan decided by the sighting of the moon.
As per his conversation with The National, the chairman of the Emirates Astrological Society expects Ramadan 2026 to be 29 days, making Thursday, March 19, the last day of Ramadan.
So, when is Eid Al Fitr?
If March 19 is the last day of Ramadan, Friday, March 20, marks the first day of Eid Al Fitr, meaning a three-day long weekend in the UAE.
But as always, we’ll need to wait for the official sighting of the moon for the exact dates.
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