As anticipation builds across the Muslim world, astronomers have offered strong guidance on when Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin. For residents of the United Arab Emirates and much of the wider region, this announcement brings welcome clarity as families, businesses, and communities begin preparing for one of the most spiritually significant months of the year.
Ramadan is marked by daily fasting from dawn until sunset, along with increased prayer, charity, and reflection. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact start date of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, a process that blends religious tradition with astronomical science.
This year, astronomers say the countdown has effectively begun.
Why Moon Sighting Determines Ramadan
The Islamic Hijri calendar is based entirely on lunar cycles. Each new month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, known as the hilal. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows a fixed solar structure, Islamic months can be either 29 or 30 days long, depending on whether the moon is seen.
Because moon visibility varies by geography and atmospheric conditions, the beginning of Ramadan can sometimes differ by a day between regions. To help provide clarity, astronomy centres carefully calculate the position, age, and visibility of the moon using precise scientific data.
For Ramadan 2026, those calculations paint a very clear picture.
Astronomical Findings Point to a Clear Outcome
Astronomers in the UAE have confirmed that sighting the Ramadan crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17 will be impossible in the region. This date corresponds to the 29th day of the Islamic month of Shaban, the day when observers would traditionally attempt to sight the crescent marking the start of Ramadan.
According to astronomical analysis, there will not be enough time for the moon to transition from the new moon phase into a visible crescent before sunset. In practical terms, the moon will simply be too young and too close to the sun to be seen, even with advanced optical instruments.
This makes any visual confirmation of the crescent moon on that evening unattainable.
Moonset Before Sunset Changes Everything
One of the most decisive factors in this assessment is the moonset timing. In the UAE, the moon is expected to set one minute before sunset on February 17. When the moon sets before the sun, it becomes physically impossible to observe the crescent in the evening sky.
This detail alone is enough to rule out any chance of sighting. Additionally, astronomers note that calculations are based on the lower edge of the lunar disk, where the crescent would first appear, rather than the upper edge typically used in other lunar measurements.
Even under perfect weather conditions, visibility would still be impossible.
Why Advanced Technology Will Not Help
In some cases, modern telescopes and imaging techniques can assist in spotting very faint crescents. However, astronomers have stressed that this will not be the case for Ramadan 2026.
The crescent moon will not be visible even using the latest scientific observation tools. The moon’s position, brightness, and angular separation from the sun fall far below the minimum thresholds required for detection.
This removes any ambiguity and significantly reduces the likelihood of differing start dates across the region.
Solar Eclipse Confirms the Conclusion
Adding further weight to the findings, an annular solar eclipse will occur on the same day, Tuesday, February 17. This eclipse will be visible from parts of southern Africa and Antarctica and will coincide with sunset across much of the eastern and central world, extending toward Asia.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, confirming a precise alignment known as conjunction. This alignment serves as clear, visible proof that the crescent moon cannot be seen at that time or for several hours afterward.
In simple terms, if the moon is blocking the sun, it cannot simultaneously appear as a visible crescent in the evening sky.
Expected Start Date for Ramadan 2026
With the crescent moon impossible to sight on February 17, the month of Shaban will complete 30 days. As a result, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19.
This projected date aligns with both traditional moon sighting criteria and modern astronomical calculations. While official confirmation will still follow established religious procedures, the scientific consensus leaves little room for doubt.
For many, this early clarity allows time to plan work schedules, school routines, travel, and spiritual goals well in advance.
What This Means for the UAE and Beyond
In the UAE, Ramadan brings changes to daily life, including adjusted working hours, altered school schedules, and a strong focus on community and charity. Mosques prepare for increased attendance, families plan shared meals, and businesses adapt to the rhythm of fasting days and social evenings.
Knowing the likely start date weeks ahead helps both individuals and institutions prepare thoughtfully and calmly.
Beyond the UAE, many countries in the Arab world are expected to follow the same timeline due to shared astronomical conditions, increasing the chance of a unified start to Ramadan.
A Month of Reflection Approaches
As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the sense of anticipation continues to grow. Beyond calendars and calculations, the month represents a time of patience, generosity, and spiritual renewal for millions around the world.
Astronomy may provide the numbers and timings, but the heart of Ramadan lies in its shared human experience.
With the start date now clearer than ever, the countdown truly is on.
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