As the holy month approaches, early clarity around the Ramadan 2026 start date is already helping residents across Dubai and the UAE plan ahead. From work schedules and school hours to travel bookings and family routines, Ramadan shapes daily life in a very real way.
Astronomers in the UAE have now indicated that Ramadan is most likely to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. According to detailed astronomical data, sighting the Ramadan crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17 will be impossible in the UAE and across much of the Arab region.
The guidance comes from the International Astronomy Centre, based in Abu Dhabi, which regularly provides scientific insight on Islamic calendar dates.
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Why the Ramadan moon won’t appear on February 17?
In the Islamic Hijri calendar, a new month begins only after the crescent moon is sighted. If the moon is not visible on the 29th day of the month, the current month completes 30 days.
This year, February 17 corresponds to the 29th day of Sha’ban, the month before Ramadan. Astronomers say the timing on that evening simply does not allow the crescent to appear.
The moon will still be in its new phase, with very little time to transition into a visible crescent. It will also be too close to the sun, making it impossible to observe, even using high-powered telescopes or modern imaging techniques.
In the UAE, calculations show the moon will set one minute before sunset on February 17. When the moon sets before the sun, visibility is ruled out entirely.
So, when is Ramadan expected to begin?
Because the crescent cannot be sighted on Tuesday evening, Sha’ban is expected to complete 30 days. This places the first day of Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
While official confirmation will still come closer to the date through UAE moon sighting committees, astronomers say the chances of Ramadan starting earlier are extremely slim.
For Dubai residents, this early indication offers breathing room. Ramadan affects everything from mall timings and restaurant hours to office schedules and school calendars.
The eclipse that confirms the astronomers’ view
To underline their conclusion, astronomers pointed to another major celestial event happening on the same day.
An annular solar eclipse will take place on the afternoon of February 17. It will be visible from parts of southern Africa and Antarctica and will align with sunset across wide areas of the eastern and central world.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon aligns directly between the Earth and the sun. Astronomers say this visible alignment is clear proof that the crescent moon cannot be seen at that time, or for several hours afterward.
This overlap adds further weight to the prediction that Ramadan cannot begin the following day.
How moon sighting rules vary across regions?
It is not unusual for Ramadan to begin on different days in different parts of the world. Geography, weather conditions, and local moon sighting methods all play a role.
In the UAE, authorities rely on a combination of physical moon sighting and scientific data. This approach helps maintain religious accuracy while reducing uncertainty.
Dubai typically aligns its announcement with other Gulf countries, ensuring regional consistency.
The familiar Ramadan rhythm in Dubai
Once Ramadan starts, the city eases into its familiar holy month pace. Daytime hours feel calmer, while evenings come alive.
Iftar tents, suhoor gatherings, and extended mall hours return. Mosques across Dubai prepare for nightly Taraweeh prayers, and charity drives become more visible throughout neighbourhoods.
Restaurants and hotels roll out special Ramadan menus, while workplaces adjust hours in line with UAE labour regulations. For many residents, it is a time of reflection, routine, and strong community connection.
With a likely February 19 start, families and businesses now have a clearer window to prepare.
The key takeaway for Dubai and the UAE
Based on current astronomical calculations, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin in the UAE on Thursday, February 19. Experts confirm that sighting the crescent moon on February 17 will not be possible under any circumstances.
As always, the final announcement will come from official UAE authorities closer to the date.
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