Thursday, 20th August 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 4th October 2025, 8:50 AM
The holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin approximately 139 days from today, according to preliminary calculations by the UAE Astronomy Organisation. Based on these calculations, Ramadan may commence on Thursday, 19 February, bringing the message of mercy and reflection to Muslims worldwide.
Ibrahim Al Zarwan, Chairman of the UAE Astronomy Organisation, stated that the beginning of Ramadan will be determined by the sighting of the new moon.
| Event | Date & Time (Abu Dhabi Local Time) |
| New Moon Birth | Tuesday, 17 February, 4:01 PM |
| Moonset on Same Day | One minute after sunset, making it invisible to the naked eye |
As the new moon will set shortly after sunset on 17 February, it will not be visible that evening. Therefore, the first day of Ramadan is likely to be confirmed as Thursday, 19 February, after verification by the official moon-sighting committee.
Al Zarwan provided estimates for fasting and daylight hours in Abu Dhabi:
| Parameter | Beginning of Ramadan | End of Ramadan |
| Fasting Duration | 12 hours 46 minutes | 13 hours 25 minutes |
| Daylight Duration | 11 hours 32 minutes | 12 hours 12 minutes |
These figures indicate that the duration of fasting will gradually increase over the month, while daylight hours will also extend slightly.
The announcement provides guidance for Muslims in the UAE and neighbouring regions to prepare spiritually and physically for the holy month, which emphasises reflection, prayer, and community service.
Source: UAE Astronomy Organisation
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