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Ramadan begins: Which GCC countries will mark Ramadan on Feb 18?
In the UAE, the Moon-Sighting Committee successfully spotted the crescent, confirming that tomorrow marks the first day of Ramadan
- PUBLISHED: Tue 17 Feb 2026, 8:07 PM
Excitement filled the UAE today as Muslims eagerly awaited the sighting of the crescent moon, which will determine the start of Ramadan.
Across the country, faithful joined millions worldwide in looking to the skies after sunset, hoping to confirm whether the holy month would begin.
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Moon-sighting traditionally takes place on the 29th day of each Hijri month.
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If the crescent is seen, the new month begins the following day; if not, the current month completes 30 days before the new one starts.
Tonight’s moon-sighting determined whether Ramadan would begin tomorrow or if Shaban would complete its full 30 days.
In the UAE, the Moon-Sighting Committee convened at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi and successfully spotted the crescent, confirming that tomorrow marks the first day of Ramadan.
Following their own observations, all Gulf countries have announced slightly different start dates for the holy month.
UAE
The UAE's Presidency Diwan has announced that Ramadan will commence tomorrow, February 18.
The UAE President extended his congratulations to the residents of the UAE and the Arab and Islamic nations for the blessed month of Ramadan, saying, "I am asking Almighty God to make it a month of peace and stability in the region and the entire world."
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan describes Ramadan as the month of "goodness, giving, social solidarity, and helping others, and an opportunity to strengthen compassion and cohesion at the family and community levels."
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has also extended greetings for Ramadan for people of the UAE and all Arab and Islamic peoples.
He shared on his social media platforms. "A generous month and a virtuous season… the month of goodness and giving, strengthening family ties, family gatherings, and the purification of the soul."
Sheikh Mohammed also said, "We ask Allah to return it upon us and upon you while we are in security, safety, well-being, and faith… and may Allah accept from us and from you our righteous deeds."
Saudi Arabia
The crescent moon for Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, meaning the holy month will start on February 18.
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has officially announced that tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan, Al-Ekhbariya reported.
Qatar
Qatar has also announced that the first day of the holy month will begin on February 18, according to their news agency.
Kuwait
The holy month of Ramadan will begin tomorrow, February 18, after the crescent was sighted today, as announced by the Kuwait News Agency today.
Bahrain
According to the Bahrain News Agency, the Supreme Shariah Authority announced that tomorrow, Wednesday, will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
Oman
Meanwhile, while all Gulf countries announced Ramadan is February 18, Oman announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, after its Main Committee for Moon Sighting said the crescent moon was not sighted on the evening of February 17.
