Saudi Arabia and UAE have announced that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Wednesday (February 18) following official crescent moon sighting.

Meanwhile, several countries in Asia, Middle East, and North African region have declared Thursday as the first day of the holy month, reports Gulf News.

Under the Islamic lunar calendar, months begin with the physical sighting of the moon. If the new moon is visible after sunset on the 29th day of Shaban, Ramadan starts the following day. Otherwise, Shaban completes 30 days and Ramadan begins thereafter.

Many Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, have official moon-sighting committees. Testimonies from observers are formally recorded, and the country’s Supreme Court or central authority announces the start of Ramadan based on those reports.