Ramadan 2026: GCC countries confirm crescent sighting
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Ramadan 1447H has been confirmed in parts of the Gulf, with Oman and Saudi Arabia announcing the start of the holy month following separate moon-sighting decisions.
Oman
Oman became the first GCC country to declare that Thursday, 19 February, will mark the beginning of Ramadan. The main Hijri month sighting committee said Wednesday, 18 February, completes the month of Shaaban.
Authorities in Oman stated that astronomical calculations showed the moon would set before or at sunset on the 29th of Shaaban across all governorates, making visual sighting impossible. The decision was taken in line with religious guidelines and scientific data.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, officials confirmed that the crescent moon was sighted and announced that Ramadan 1447 would begin on the 17th, Wednesday, that night across the Kingdom, signaling the start of fasting and nightly prayers.
The announcements set the timeline for the observance of Ramadan across the two countries, with other GCC states expected to issue their own confirmations based on local moon-sighting procedures.
UAE
The UAE’s Presidential Court also announced that Wednesday, 18 February, will mark the first day of Ramadan, following confirmation by the official moon-sighting committee.