The holy month of Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, according to preliminary astronomical calculations made by experts from the Emirates Astronomical Society. With only 139 days remaining, anticipation is already building among Muslims worldwide.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, explained that the new moon of Ramadan will be born on Tuesday, February 17, at 4:01 PM. However, the moon will set just one minute after sunset that evening, making it impossible to sight, which pushes the start of fasting to February 19.
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Although the astronomical prediction points to February 19 as the first day of fasting, the official confirmation will be announced by the moon-sighting committees closer to the date. This step ensures that traditional practices of sighting the crescent remain aligned with scientific forecasts.
In Abu Dhabi, the duration of fasting at the beginning of Ramadan is expected to be approximately 12 hours and 46 minutes. By the end of the month, as days grow longer, fasting hours are projected to increase gradually to 13 hours and 25 minutes.
Daylight hours will also rise during the month, beginning at 11 hours and 32 minutes and extending to 12 hours and 12 minutes by the end. This shift will add to the longer fasting times experienced as Ramadan progresses.
As for the weather, experts predict that temperatures at the start of Ramadan will range between 16°C and 28°C. However, with spring’s arrival by the end of the month, temperatures may climb further, reaching between 19°C and 32°C.