The global landscape for Ramadan 2026 has seen a split in start dates due to differing moon sighting methodologies and regional visibility. While the UAE and Saudi Arabia officially began the holy month on Wednesday, February 18, much of the world-including many in the UK-are starting on Thursday, February 19.
Global Update: UAE & Saudi Arabia Confirm Ramadan
In a major announcement on the evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026, the UAE moon-sighting committee and the Saudi Supreme Court confirmed that the Ramadan crescent was sighted.
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Official Start: Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
The Sighting: Despite astronomical warnings that the moon would be too young and too close to the sun (due to a solar eclipse), official testimonies were accepted in these regions.
Taraweeh: The first Taraweeh prayers were held in the Grand Mosque in Mecca and across the UAE on Tuesday night.
The UK Perspective: Why Thursday?
While some UK mosques follow the Saudi declaration, many major British organizations and moon-sighting committees (such as the New Crescent Society and ICOUK) have a different outlook for 2026.
Today is the 29th of Sha’ban for those looking for the moon locally. The New Crescent Society and the Royal Observatory Greenwich have noted that the moon will be “easily visible” across the UK this evening.
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Observation Time: Immediately after sunset (roughly 17:20–17:35 GMT).
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Location: Look toward the Western horizon.
Worldwide Breakdown: Who Starts When?
Astronomers from the International Astronomy Centre noted that the sighting on the 17th was scientifically contentious because the moon set almost simultaneously with the sun in many Gulf cities. This explains why countries like Oman, Malaysia, and Indonesia (which rely heavily on visual clarity) have opted for a Thursday start.
Final Confirmation: For UK residents, if you are following local sightings, your first fast will be Thursday, 19 February. If you follow Saudi Arabia, you have already begun your fast today.
