The United Arab Emirates council for fatwa has urged citizens of all the Emirates to look out for the crescent moon for the month of Ramzan 2026 that will appear on the evening of Tuesday, February 17. And the sighting will mark the official commencement of the holy month.
In a statement, the council invited Abu Dhabi and other emirates residents to keep their eyes on the sky, after sunset, and report any certain sightings.
Official Process of Moon Sighting
Moon sightings are used to mark the start of the months in the Islamic lunar calendar. The sighting of the crescent moon in the month of Ramzan marks the start of the month.
The council affirmed official moon sighting efforts start from Maghrib prayer on Tuesday, February 17, 6:21pm. Field observation teams, accredited observatories and public testimonies to be considered before final announcement of the moon sighting.
When Will Ramadan Begin?
If the crescent is sighted on Tuesday evening, then Ramzan will start from Wednesday, February 18.
However, astronomers have said that it may be “impossible” to see the crescent that night.
If the moon is not sighted, there will instead be a first day of Ramzan on Thursday the 19th of February.
How to Report a Sighting
The council requests that anyone who feels she or he has witnessed the crescent to report it right away. Residents can contact them by phone 027774647 or by entering the details by filling out an online form.
Observers need to provide personal information and information on the viewing conditions.
Preparations are being made for Ramadan
The crescent call comes behind several recent announcements by UAE authorities regarding Ramzan.
Last week, the government confirmed the adjusted working hours for the private as well as the public sector employees for the holy month.
Also read: PMD forecasts hot weather during Ramzan 2026
