The UAE moon-sighting committee has announced the sighting of the crescent moon, officially marking the beginning of Ramadan.
The committee has announced that 18 February will be the first day of Ramadan. This means, 17 February is the last day of the month of Sha’ban and Ramadan begins tomorrow, 18 February.
The month of fasting depends on the Islamic Hijri calendar and can only begin once the UAE moon sighting committee spots the crescent moon of Sha’ban.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered the holiest month as it commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) on Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, adult Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, throughout the 29 or 30-day period. Every day, at sunset, cannons will be fired at various locations around the city which signal that it’s time to break the fast with a meal called an Iftar. Another meal called a Suhoor is traditionally eaten in the early hours of the day before fasting hours begin.
Working hours will be reduced for both public and private sector organisations during Ramadan and the school day is generally shortened to five hours.
With Ramadan dates announced, everyone will now turn their attention to when Eid Al Fitr begins. The first long weekend on 2026, Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. This is celebrated usually with a three or four day holiday, depending on whether Ramadan is a 29-day or 30-day month.