Oman announces the start date of Ramadan.

Oman has officially declared the commencement date of the holy month of Ramadan. The country will observe the first day of Ramadan on 19 February 2026.

According to official reports, 17 February will mark the 29th day of Sha‘ban, the month preceding Ramadan, in Oman. However, the crescent moon signalling the beginning of Ramadan will not be visible on that day.

The country’s Supreme Moon Sighting Committee, responsible for determining the start of Islamic months, stated on Wednesday, 11 February, that Sha‘ban will complete 30 days on 18 February. Astronomical calculations confirm that on 17 February, the moon will set before sunset across all regions of Oman, making its sighting impossible.

The committee emphasised that the announcement of the new lunar month’s start was made using both religious and scientific criteria, ensuring the observance of Ramadan aligns with established Islamic tradition as well as modern astronomical data.

The decision reflects Oman’s careful balance between faith-based practices and empirical evidence, a practice that has long been observed to ensure uniformity and clarity for the Muslim community throughout the country.

For clarity, the timeline leading to Ramadan 2026 in Oman is summarised below:

Oman’s announcement provides certainty for religious observances, including daily prayers, fasting schedules, and community activities that mark the sacred month. The integration of astronomical calculations into the moon-sighting process ensures that residents and travellers alike can prepare accurately for this period of spiritual reflection and devotion.

The Supreme Moon Sighting Committee reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and reliable announcements, blending centuries-old religious practice with contemporary scientific methods.