Oman Makes History with Early Ramadan 2026 Declaration
In a groundbreaking move, the Sultanate of Oman has officially declared the commencement date for the holy month of Ramadan 2026, setting a precedent as the first nation to do so. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Main Committee for Moon Sighting, operating under the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA), confirmed that Thursday, February 19, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH. This early announcement provides unprecedented clarity for citizens and residents, enabling families to initiate their spiritual and logistical preparations with absolute certainty.
Scientific Basis for the February 19 Start Date
The decision to set February 19, 2026, as the start of Ramadan was rooted in rigorous astronomical calculations. The committee determined that the new moon (crescent) could not be sighted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, because the moon would set before sunset across the entire country, rendering visual sighting impossible. Consequently, the Islamic month of Sha'ban will complete its full 30 days on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with Ramadan beginning the following day.
This approach positions Oman as one of the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to officially announce the holy month's start using a blend of traditional practices and modern scientific data. Traditionally, Islamic months commence when a new crescent moon is sighted by the naked eye after sunset on the 29th day of the preceding month. If the moon is not visible, the month extends to 30 days, and the new month starts the next day. In this instance, astronomers' calculations confirmed the impossibility of sighting on February 17, allowing Oman to confidently assign February 19 as the inaugural fasting day.
Reduced Working Hours to Accommodate Worship
To support the community in balancing professional responsibilities with worship and family time during Ramadan, the Ministry of Labour has announced significant reductions in working hours for both public and private sectors. In the public sector, official hours for administrative units are set at five consecutive hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. However, flexible arrangements permit some employees to start as early as 7:00 AM, provided the total duration remains five hours.
For the private sector, Muslim employees will see their working hours reduced to a maximum of six hours per day, with a weekly cap of 30 hours. These adjustments are designed to maintain business continuity while respecting the physical demands of fasting and the importance of evening prayers, fostering a harmonious work-life balance during this sacred period.
Community Preparations and Broader Implications
As the countdown to February 19 begins, Oman's atmosphere is shifting towards one of reflection, generosity, and communal unity. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has extended heartfelt congratulations to Omani citizens and the wider Muslim world, wishing for a month filled with prosperity and sacred blessings. Beyond the logistical adjustments, this period is characterized by increased charitable activities and community Iftars, with local authorities preparing for heightened traffic around mosques for Taraweeh prayers.
Elsewhere in the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, astronomers and moon-sighting centers have also forecast February 19 as the most probable start date for Ramadan, unless a sighting on February 17 or 18 alters the decision. This alignment underscores the growing reliance on scientific methods in conjunction with traditional observances across the Islamic world.
The official confirmation from Oman's Ministry ensures that everyone, from those seeking the best Iftar buffets in Muscat to families preparing their homes, can move forward in unity and anticipation for the holy month.
