Middle East Religious Authorities Confirm Ramadan 1447 AH Start Date
Religious authorities across the Middle East have made an official announcement confirming that Wednesday, February 18, 2026 will mark the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH. This declaration follows verified crescent moon sightings that align with traditional Islamic lunar calendar observations.
Official Confirmations from Gulf Nations
In the United Arab Emirates, the Presidential Court formally confirmed the crescent moon sighting, thereby establishing the commencement of fasting and spiritual observances for the holy month. Similarly, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also declared February 18 as Day 1 of Ramadan, demonstrating regional unity in following traditional lunar methodologies.
It is important to note that some other countries may begin Ramadan a day later depending on local moon sighting reports. This variation reflects how lunar calendars continue to influence the global determination of Ramadan start dates, with different regions sometimes observing slightly different timings based on their own verification processes.
Ramadan Day 1: Detailed UAE Schedule and Timings
Today marks the official "Day 1" of fasting for residents across the Emirates. The spiritual observance began well before sunrise, with the final pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) concluding before the morning prayer. To help residents navigate the day, here is the official schedule for Dubai:
- Imsak (Stop Eating): 05:24 AM
- Fajr (Start Fast): 05:34 AM
- Sunrise: 06:48 AM
- Dhuhr: 12:36 PM
- Asr: 03:50 PM
- Maghrib (Iftar): 06:18 PM
- Isha: 07:32 PM
As the first Iftar siren approaches at 6:18 PM, significant changes in traffic conditions are anticipated across road networks. Authorities have issued reminders for drivers to maintain calm and patience during the pre-sunset rush hour. Both public and private sector work hours have been officially shortened to facilitate family gatherings for the first Iftar meal of the month.
Expect heightened traffic activity during the "Golden Hour" between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM as residents head home to break their fast with traditional dates and Arabic coffee.
The Spiritual Atmosphere and Evening Observances
The spiritual significance of Ramadan extends well beyond the Iftar meal. Following the Isha prayer at 7:32 PM, mosques throughout the country will fill with worshippers for Taraweeh prayers—special night prayers performed exclusively during Ramadan. From the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi to local community masjids in Dubai, the atmosphere will be characterized by peace, unity, and collective devotion.
For those seeking social engagement alongside worship, malls and Ramadan tents will remain open well into the early hours of Thursday morning. These venues offer a unique blend of spiritual reflection and social celebration, creating vibrant community spaces where the essence of Ramadan can be experienced in multiple dimensions.
The combination of religious observance and community gathering creates a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere that balances solemn spiritual practice with joyful social interaction, reflecting the multifaceted nature of this holy month in contemporary Middle Eastern society.
