Saudi Supreme Court Sets Date to Look for Ramadan 2026 Crescent; Oman Pre-announces Start
The Saudi Supreme Court asked Muslims across the kingdom to observe the crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 ET to determine the start of Ramadan 2026 (1447 AH). At the same time, Omani authorities have announced that Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 will complete Sha'ban and that Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 ET will be the first day of Ramadan. The close timing of astronomical events means countries in the region may declare different start dates based on local sighting rules and calculations.
What Saudi authorities have requested
The high court in Saudi Arabia set the formal date for the traditional sighting effort on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 ET. The court asked anyone who sees the new crescent with the naked eye or through optical aids to report their observation to the nearest court or local center tasked with recording testimonies. The appeal invited volunteers with the ability to assist to join official committees established in regions across the kingdom, highlighting the religious merit and communal benefit of participation.
Astronomical timeline and regional implications
Astronomical calculations place the new moon conjunction on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at 7: 02 AM ET. That timing means the slender crescent will be present the same evening for observers in many parts of the Middle East and North Africa, but visibility will differ by location. Forecasts note the moon will set three minutes after sunset in Mecca and about four minutes after sunset in Cairo on the evening of Feb. 17, while in several Gulf capitals the moon is expected to set with the sun. In some Asian cities the moon will set before sunset, making visual sighting impossible there on that date.
Those differences have practical consequences: places where the crescent is not observable on Feb. 17 will typically treat the next day as the completion of Sha'ban, placing Ramadan's first day on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 ET. Where observers report seeing the crescent on the evening of Feb. 17, the following day would mark the first day of fasting.
Oman's pre-announcement and expected fasting hours
Omani authorities have already declared that Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 will be the last day of Sha'ban and that Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 ET will be the first day of Ramadan. Their decision rests on astronomical assessments indicating the crescent will set before or with sunset across the country on Feb. 17, making sighting unfeasible that evening. The committee emphasized reliance on scientific certainty where it establishes that sighting is impossible.
With Ramadan arriving at the transition between late winter and early spring in the Northern Hemisphere, most countries in the region can expect moderate fasting hours. Estimates put the typical daily fast at roughly 12 to 14 hours, varying by latitude and local sunrise and sunset times. Day-length will increase gradually through the month, adding roughly 30 minutes to the total daylight difference between the first and last day of Ramadan in many places.
Religious authorities and astronomical committees across the region will monitor reports and calculations over the coming days. Communities that rely on local sighting traditions are preparing volunteers and coordination networks for evening observations on Feb. 17 ET, while administrations that use astronomical criteria have already set dates for the start of the fast. The close clustering of possible start dates this year underscores how a single evening’s observation can determine communal practice for millions observing رمضان 2026.
