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Look: Shaban 1447 AH crescent photographed in Abu Dhabi
The latest sighting follows observations made on January 18 when the crescent marking the end of the Islamic month of Rajab was also photographed from Abu Dhabi
- PUBLISHED: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 12:30 PM UPDATED: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 7:43 PM
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UAE astronomers on Monday (January 19) successfully captured a clearer image of the crescent marking the start of the Islamic month of Shaban, according to Astronomy Centre.
The crescent of Shaban 1447 AH was photographed earlier today from Abu Dhabi, by the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, which is affiliated with the International Astronomy Center. The image was taken at 11am UAE time, when the moon was positioned 6.7 degrees away from the sun.
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The observation was carried out by a team comprising Osama Ghannam, Anas Muhammad, Khalafan Al-Naimi, and Muhammad Awda.
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The latest sighting follows observations made on Sunday (January 18) when the crescent marking the end of Rajab was also photographed from Abu Dhabi by the same observatory.
These astronomical observations come as the UAE officially announced the conclusion of Rajab. The UAE Fatwa Council confirmed that Monday marks the end of Rajab 1447 AH, with Islamic month of Shaban set to begin on Tuesday (January 20).
The announcement was made after reviewing scientific data on the crescent moon in coordination with the country’s specialised astronomical authorities.
When will Ramadan 2026 start?
Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent. On the 29th day of Shaban, official moon-sighting committees will convene to determine when Ramadan will officially start. If sighted on this day, the holy month begins on the next day.
This means that Ramadan 2026 will start either on Wednesday (February 18) or Thursday (February 19). This year, astronomical calculations suggest Thursday (February 19)as the likely first day of Ramadan, but this still depends on moon-sighting.
The end of the holy month will bring the UAE’s first long weekend of the year, as residents mark Eid Al Fitr — the Islamic festival that celebrates the completion of fasting.
