When Does Ramadan 2026 Begin in the UAE?

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) at the University of Sharjah has issued a detailed forecast for the sighting of the Ramadan crescent for A.H. 1447, using precise astronomical calculations conducted by its expert team.

The announcement highlights the academy’s role as a regional authority on space sciences, emphasizing its reliance on data-driven analysis to guide the religious calendar.

According to SAASST, the moon reaches central conjunction with the sun on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 12:01 pm GMT, corresponding to 4:01 pm UAE time. For Sharjah, surface conjunction occurs slightly later at 1:52 pm GMT, or 5:52 pm local time. At sunset, the moon’s age at central conjunction will be just two hours and 14 minutes, with the moon setting mere seconds before the sun disappears.

Surface-based calculations indicate a marginally higher age of 22 minutes, but the academy noted that this difference does not significantly improve visibility conditions on Tuesday evening.

Visibility outlook 

SAASST concluded that observing the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday will be impossible with the naked eye or telescopes, not only in Sharjah and the UAE but across most Islamic countries.

The outlook improves on Wednesday, February 18, when the moon’s age will exceed 26 hours with an elevation of 12 degrees and 21 arcminutes—conditions considered suitable for naked-eye sighting if skies are clear. For Sharjah specifically, surface conjunction estimates indicate a moon age of 24 hours and 23 minutes at an elevation of 12.5 degrees.

Accordingly, the academy expects Ramadan to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in countries relying on visual moon sightings, while some Islamic nations may observe it starting Wednesday, February 18.