August 18, 2025 — The holy month of Ramadan is expected to commence on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in most Arab countries, subject to the official sighting of the crescent moon.
Islamic authorities across the region emphasized that the exact date will be determined by moon-sighting committees after the 29th day of Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar. Each nation’s religious council will make its own announcement based on traditional observations and jurisprudential rulings.
Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, intensified worship, charitable acts, and spiritual reflection. While the holy month is a unifying spiritual period, its start and end dates often vary among countries due to differences in moon-sighting methods and geographical conditions.
If confirmed, Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait are expected to be among the first to declare the start of Ramadan, with other countries aligning their announcements according to local religious and astronomical decisions.