ISLAMABAD:( The COW News Digital)-The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to mark the first day of Ramadan 1447 Hijri on *February 19, 2026, according to the Emirates Astronomical Society. The society’s president, *Ibrahim Al Jarwan, shared the prediction based on detailed astronomical calculations.
Speaking to local media, Al Jarwan explained that the new crescent moon of Ramadan will be born on *February 17, 2026, at *4:01 p.m. UAE time (3:01 p.m. in Saudi Arabia). However, the moon will set almost immediately after sunset, making its visibility unlikely on that evening.
He further clarified that the moon will disappear approximately *one minute after sunset, meaning its age at the time of sunset will be only *2 hours and 12 minutes — far too young and faint to be seen by the naked eye or even with telescopic assistance. “Due to these conditions,” Al Jarwan said, “it is astronomically improbable for the Ramadan crescent to be sighted on February 17.”
Based on these calculations, the first day of fasting in the UAE is expected to fall on *Thursday, February 19, 2026, while **Eid al-Fitr, marking the beginning of **Shawwal 1447 Hijri, is likely to be observed on *March 20, 2026.
The official confirmation of Ramadan’s start, however, will depend on the moon-sighting committee’s observation on *February 18, 2026 (29 Sha’ban 1447H). The committee’s decision will be guided by both *astronomical data and actual visual sightings, as per Islamic tradition.
Al Jarwan emphasized that these predictions align with international astronomical standards and are intended to assist in early planning for religious, social, and logistical activities related to Ramadan.
Across the Muslim world, astronomers and religious authorities follow similar calculations to estimate the holy month’s start, though final announcements vary by country depending on local sightings.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It is a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, commemorating the revelation of the Holy Quran.
As anticipation grows, Muslims in the UAE and around the world await official confirmation of the dates — which will mark not just the start of fasting, but a month of renewed spirituality, compassion, and unity.
