The UAE’s Fatwa Council has confirmed that Monday, January 19, 2026, will be the last day of Rajab 1447 AH based on scientific moon-sighting data reviewed with specialised astronomical authorities. As a result, Tuesday, 20 January 2026, will be observed as the first day of Shaaban 1447 AH in the UAE.
In the Islamic calendar, Shaaban is the month that precedes Ramadan. During this time, Muslims around the world prepare for the Holy Month.
The start of Ramadan 2026 depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, as Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days. On the 29th day of Shaaban, official moon-sighting committees will meet to confirm the beginning of the Holy Month. If the crescent is sighted, Ramadan will commence the following day.
This means that Ramadan 2026 will start either on Wednesday, 18 February or Thursday, 19 February. This year, astronomical calculations suggest Thursday, 19 February 2026, as the likely first day of Ramadan, but this still depends on moon-sighting.
Ramadan concludes with Eid Al Fitr, a festival celebrating the end of fasting. This year, the occasion will coincide with the UAE’s first long weekend of 2026, giving everyone a chance to mark the festival with family and community celebrations.