Ramazan 2026 starts for GCC countries; first fast on Wednesday

Ramazan 1447 AH begins in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other GCC nations, with fasting commencing on Wednesday, February 18. Observations have confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon in major locations across Saudi Arabia, including Houta Sudair, through a gathering involving experts from meteorology and astronomy departments. This first day of Ramazan was officially announced by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia.

In the UAE, the Presidential Court at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi confirmed the sighting on Tuesday evening, signaling that tomorrow will mark the start of fasting and prayers across the Emirates. Other nations like Malaysia and Turkey also faced difficulties sighting the crescent and are expected to begin their Ramazan fasts on Thursday, February 19.

For countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Iran, however, Ramazan begins on Wednesday. These nations will need to rely on local sightings to determine when to start fasting; it could be either on Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20. Observances of Ramazan are based on the lunar calendar, with each new month beginning when the crescent moon is sighted after sunset on the 29th day of Sha’ban. If the crescent isn’t visible, the 30-day cycle of Sha’ban continues until the next day marks the start of the holy month.