Ramadan 2026: Here's when it's expected to begin
The dates for the beginning of Ramadan 2026, the holy month of fasting, have been predicted by astronomers. Calculations are telling us that it will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The date is set to mark the first day of Ramadan in the Hijri year 1447.
Astronomers, according to Gulf News, have calculated this date based on the predictions of the position of the moon on this date. The date can possibly also vary by country, depending on moon sightings. The Emirates Astronomy Society is often responsible for assisting in the prediction of the crescent moon.
If you have lived in the UAE for some time, you'll know that the dates of Ramadan can be predicted by astronomers, but not confirmed until declared by religious authorities across the Muslim world following official moon sighting. Over the last year, Dubai has even used drones in its quest to sight the moon, along with the moon sighting committees and the public's assistance.
If you're unsure of what Ramadan is, it is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the most holy time of the year when Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, or smoking between sunrise and sunset. It usually lasts around 29 or 30 days (depending on the calendar). We have a guide to help you, along with dos and don'ts to help you navigate the month.
Image: Unsplash
> Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
Best photos of June 27: Islamic New Year to a landslide in Colombia
Shiite Muslims take part in a mourning ritual in Iraq's southern city of Basra, on the first night of the month of Muharram in the lead-up to Ashura. AFP
Gulf Today
12 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Kiswa of Holy Kaaba replaced to mark the beginning of Hijri New Year
Gulf Today Report The Kiswa of Holy Kaaba was replaced to mark the commencement of new Islamic year 1447. The Kiswa refers to the black silk embroidered cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has completed the annual replacement of the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah on Thursday, continuing a tradition of care that spans over 100 years. The process began with the removal of the gilded curtain from the Kaaba's door, measuring 6.35 metres by 3.33 metres. A specialised team of 154 Saudi professionals from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa carried out the replacement process. The team was strategically assigned to various sides and the roof of the Kaaba based on their areas of expertise. Muslims take photos with their smart phones as workers change the Kiswa. Reuters The process began with dismantling the old Kiswa and installing the new one, which was then secured at the corners and across the roof of the Holy Kaaba. The new Kiswa features 47 expertly embroidered black silk panels, embellished with 68 Quranic verses intricately stitched using gold-plated silver threads. The new Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilogrammes and stands 14 metres high. It consists of four separate panels along with the door curtain (sitara). Workers change the cover of Kaaba known as Kiswa. Reuters Each panel was individually raised and aligned over the previous one, with the new Kiswa being gradually lowered as the old one was removed. This process was repeated for all four sides. Once in place, the decorative band (hizam) was aligned and stitched along a straight line around the Kaaba. Next, the corners were sewn vertically from top to bottom to ensure a seamless and secure finish. The sitara, which requires precision and considerable time, was then installed. A cut was made in the black silk fabric to fit the curtain — measuring 3.30 metres wide and 6.35 metres long — and three openings were created beneath the fabric to insert the curtain. It was then sewn into the Kiswa from both the inside and outside to ensure proper placement. The making of the Kiswa consumed approximately 825 kilogrammes of raw silk, dyed black at the complex, 120 kilogrammes of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilogrammes of pure silver thread, and 410 kilogrammes of raw cotton. Workers bring in a new cover of Kaaba, known as Kiswa in the Grand Mosque in the Holy City of Makkah. Reuters
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Fatima bint Mubarak congratulates wives of Arab, Islamic leaders on new Hijri Year
26 June 2025 14:07 ABU DHABI (WAM)Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has sent congratulatory messages to the wives of kings, presidents and emirs of the Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of the new Hijri Year 1447. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima wished them good health and happiness and more progress, prosperity, pride and glory to the Arab and Muslim nations.
