Will UAE and Saudi Arabia Differ on 2026 Ramadan Moon Sighting?
The moon sighting for Ramadan 2026 has sparked debate regarding potential discrepancies between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. As the Islamic holy month approaches, the astronomical community has weighed in on the visibility of the crescent moon, crucial for marking the beginning of Ramadan.
Possible Divergence in Ramadan Moon Sighting
Top astronomers in the UAE have predicted that the crescent moon will be impossible to observe on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. In contrast, Saudi Arabia is expected to announce the start of Ramadan on the same day.
Official Predictions
- UAE Perspective: The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) stated that the moon will not be visible on February 17.
- Saudi Arabia’s Method: Saudi Arabia typically follows the Umm al-Qura calendar, which relies on astronomical calculations. According to this calendar, Ramadan is set to begin on Wednesday, February 18.
Astronomers’ Consensus
Various astronomers, including Mohammad Odeh, director of the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi, agree that the moon’s visibility will not occur on that date. Odeh emphasized the potential for misjudgment if individuals mistakenly believe they sight the crescent moon.
Imad Ahmed, director of the New Crescent Society in the UK, reiterated that February 17 will render the crescent moon unobservable across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Despite these warnings, many experts predict that Saudi Arabia will announce the new month on that day.
Implications for the UAE
The UAE has traditionally mirrored Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting declarations. Experts suggest that despite growing tensions in diplomatic relations, the UAE may still align with Saudi announcements.
Historical Context
In previous years, the UAE has consistently followed Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan and Eid dates, despite contradictory scientific predictions. Ahmed noted that the Senior Moon Sighting Committee of Oman has also stated the moon will not be visible on February 17.
Alternative Approaches
- Local Moon Sightings: In countries without official moon-sighting authorities, such as the UK, many Muslims have begun to favor local observations.
- Regional Variations: In 2024, Oman and Jordan observed Ramadan starting on March 12, despite Saudi Arabia’s announcement on March 10.
It remains uncertain if Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee will deviate from its established calendar. If they announce a sighting on February 17, it could create substantial confusion, especially in light of the UAE astronomers’ contradicting statements. This scenario may mark a significant shift in the longstanding practice of regional alignment with Saudi lunar declarations.
As 2026 approaches, the potential differences in Ramadan moon sighting between the UAE and Saudi Arabia raise critical questions surrounding lunar visibility practices and their implications for the Islamic community.
