Ramadan 2026 likely to begin in Arab countries on 17 February

Millions of Muslims worldwide are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ramadan in 2026 — the holy month marked by devotion, closeness to God, and an emphasis on strengthening family bonds, maintaining kinship ties, and promoting the values of solidarity and generosity.

According to astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on 17 February 2026 (Tuesday) in most Arab countries.

However, the official start will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon, which will be confirmed after observations on the 29th of Sha’ban.

Each country’s religious authorities and moon-sighting committees will announce the beginning of Ramadan in line with their own procedures.

The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, with each month starting upon the sighting of the new crescent moon.

As the lunar month is shorter than the solar month, Ramadan shifts back by around 10 to 11 days each year on the Gregorian calendar. Over a 33-year cycle, this means Muslims experience the holy month across all seasons.