Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Decision Expected Tonight in Saudi Arabia and UAE

The religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle Eastern nations are set to announce the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon on Tuesday evening. If confirmed, fasting in these countries will commence from Wednesday, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan, also called Ramzan in the Indian subcontinent, is a sacred month during which fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims. The month spans either 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar cycle, and the crescent moon sighting determines the exact start.

Traditionally, the holy month begins in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka a day after it starts in the Middle East. If the crescent is sighted tonight in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Indian subcontinent is expected to observe Ramadan starting Thursday. This includes beginning daily fasts and offering Taraweeh prayers, which continue for 27 nights.

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In India, local communities will await official announcements from prominent religious authorities, including the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid in New Delhi, as well as major seminaries in Lucknow, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Kerala typically starts Ramadan a day earlier due to favorable moon visibility.

In Pakistan, the westernmost province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa usually observes Ramadan a day before other provinces, as the crescent is often visible there first. The holy month concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, celebrated worldwide with prayers, feasts, and community gatherings, marking the end of fasting.

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