Ramadan 2026: When will crescent moon be visible in UAE, India? Check first roza date, complete sehri and iftar timings

Ramadan 2026: Here’s everything you need to know about crescent moon sighting in India and UAE, including sehri and iftar timings, Chand Raat details and more.

Ramadan 2026: Muslims across the globe are gearing up for Ramadan 2026, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This holy month is devoted to fasting, prayers, togetherness, and deep spiritual reflection. The beginning and conclusion of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal), with official confirmations typically announced just before the month commences.

Ramadan 2026: Muslims worldwide prepare for Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection, with dates dependent on the moon sighting. (AFP)

When is Ramadan 2026?

Ramadan 2026 in the UAE is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, as per Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), with the official date confirmed after the crescent moon sighting. Early predictions suggest it could start between February 17–19.

Oman, Turkey, Singapore, and Australia have also fixed February 19 as the first day based on astronomical calculations, while in Pakistan, the new moon is expected on February 17, with sighting likely on February 18, pending local authority confirmation.

lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on moon sighting, with Dubai forecasting 29 days. The month is observed with fasting, prayers, spiritual reflection, and community bonding, culminating in Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026, celebrated with prayers, charity, and family gatherings.

Ramadan 2026 sehri and iftar timings

As per Islamic Finder, here are the estimated Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (fast-breaking) timings for Ramadan 2026. These timings may vary slightly depending on your city and local moon sighting:

Fasting for Ramadan begins after sighting the moon, expected on February 19, 2026. (Image generated by AI)

Ramadan 2026 Chand Raat

The observance of fasting begins only after the Ramadan moon is sighted. In 2026, the crescent moon may be sighted on February 19. Traditionally, the moon is first observed in Mecca or nearby regions, and the official dates of Ramadan are announced accordingly.

If the moon is not visible in India, the holy month begins a day later, following the sighting in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, or other relevant countries. Once the crescent is sighted, people greet each other with “Chand Raat Mubarak” or “Ramadan Mubarak.” Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, concluding with Eid-ul-Fitr.

When will the first fast be observed

After the sighting of the Ramadan moon, religious authorities officially announce the beginning of the holy month of fasting. Muslims around the world prepare to observe daily fasts, starting from the very next morning. For 2026, current estimates indicate that the first fast is likely to begin on February 20, although this date remains tentative and will only be confirmed after the official moon sighting by local authorities.