​Official: Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar Declare Wednesday First Day of Ramadan 2026

​In a spiritual atmosphere awaited by millions, religious authorities across the Gulf region have settled the debate regarding the start of the holy month. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have officially announced that tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan for the Hijri year 1447.

Saudi Arabia Confirms Sighting at Tumair Observatory

​The most prominent announcement came from the Saudi Supreme Court, which confirmed that the Ramadan crescent moon was sighted at its official observatories, most notably the Tumair observatory. In an urgent statement, the court declared that Tuesday is the final day of the month of Sha'ban, making Wednesday the first day of fasting. The court concluded its statement with prayers for Muslims worldwide to be granted strength and devotion during this sacred time.

​UAE and Qatar: Unified Religious Accord

​Simultaneously with the Saudi announcement, the UAE Moon Sighting Committee declared Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan after a meticulous investigation in coordination with astronomical observatories. Similarly, the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments in Qatar confirmed the sighting of the moon. This unified start among the three nations has sparked a sense of joy and regional solidarity across the Arabian Gulf.

​A Night of Global Anticipation

​Observatories throughout the Islamic world began a large-scale investigation today, Tuesday. From the Atlantic to the Gulf, Muslim populations followed the results of the moon-sighting process with bated breath. Despite earlier astronomical predictions suggesting potential visibility challenges in certain areas, the official religious testimonies from key observatories have confirmed Wednesday as the formal launch of the season of worship.