Oman declares Thursday, February 19, 2026 the start of Ramadan 2026; regional sighting outlook mixed
Oman's central moon-sighting committee announced that Thursday, February 19, 2026 (ET) will be the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH, making the sultanate the first Arab country to fix the start of the fasting month this year. The decision follows astronomical calculations that the new moon's visibility would be impossible on Tuesday evening, prompting the committee to complete the month of Sha'ban on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (ET).
Committee ruling and the astronomy behind the decision
The committee stated that astronomical analysis showed the new moon would set before or with sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (ET) across Oman's provinces, eliminating any realistic chance of naked-eye sighting that evening. With the sighting deemed impossible, the committee designated Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (ET) as the final day of Sha'ban and set Thursday, February 19, 2026 (ET) as the first day of Ramadan.
Officials emphasized that scientific certainty about the moon's position and set time guided the ruling and that reports that contradict clear astronomical facts will not be accepted. The committee's approach reflects a blend of traditional moon-sighting practice and modern astronomical confirmation.
Regional implications: daylight, fasting hours and expectations
Because Ramadan 2026 falls at the tail end of winter and the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, daylight hours for many Arab countries are expected to be moderate compared with Ramadan months that coincide with summer. Average fasting windows are projected to range roughly between 12 and 14 hours, subject to geographic location and local sunrise and sunset times.
Meteorological and astronomical patterns suggest a gradual lengthening of the day through the month, with daylight increasing by about one to two minutes per day. Over the course of Ramadan this year that incremental growth will amount to an additional half hour or so between the opening and closing fasts from the first to the last day.
Religious authorities and community organisations in the region are preparing for a month with largely moderate fasting demands, though local variations will apply for northern outposts and higher-latitude areas.
Egypt's sighting plans and visibility outlook
In Egypt, a network of religious and astronomical committees is conducting planned observations after sunset as part of the established procedure to determine the start of the month. Dr. Mohammad Samida, head of solar research at the national astronomical research institute, offered an outlook on visibility: the new moon is calculated to be born at 8: 02 PM ET, but the interval after sunset is expected to be too short for reliable naked-eye observation in many parts of the country.
Local committees will submit their findings to the country's chief religious authority, which will make the final legal determination on the start of Ramadan. While some states may follow Oman's early announcement, others will await the completion of their own sighting processes or the formal decision from national religious authorities.
The divergence in procedures — some countries relying on local sighting, others on astronomical calculation or a mix — means start dates could vary across the region. Community leaders are urging residents to watch for official declarations from their national religious bodies in the coming days and to prepare accordingly for Ramadan routines and services.
With the first day now set in Oman and sighting efforts under way elsewhere, governments, mosques and charities are moving into final preparation mode for what many communities expect to be a comparatively moderate and manageable month of fasting, worship and social activities.
