SHA’BAN BEGINS IN UAE: MOON SIGHTING CLARIFIES RAMADAN 2026 TIMELINE

Greater clarity has emerged around the Islamic calendar for early 2026, as official religious authorities and astronomy bodies confirmed the start of the month of Sha’ban 1447 AH, providing greater visibility for governments, businesses, and communities planning ahead for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.

The Emirates Fatwa Council announced, after reviewing scientific data related to the sighting of the crescent moon in coordination with specialised scientific authorities and centers in the country, that Monday, 19/01/2026 CE, marks the completion of the month of Rajab 1447 AH, while Tuesday, 20/01/2026 CE, is the first day of Sha’ban 1447 AH.

Global crescent sightings confirm Sha’ban start

According to statements from members and associates of the Islamic Crescent Sighting Project affiliated with the International Astronomy Center, extensive observations were conducted on Monday, January 19, 2026 CE, to determine the start of Sha’ban.

Read more-Ramadan 2026 likely to begin on this date, predicts UAE astronomy body

The crescent was sighted using astronomical imaging technology in Malaysia, the Sultanate of Oman, the UAE (Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia (Madina), Iraq (Al Diwaniyah), Jordan (Irbid), Germany, and the UK. Visual sightings using telescopes were confirmed from the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia, while the crescent was sighted with the naked eye from the USA, specifically Virginia.

As a result, the start of Sha’ban will fall on Tuesday, January 20, in most Islamic countries worldwide. However, Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Morocco, and Mauritania will begin Sha’ban on Wednesday, January 21.

Implications for Ramadan planning

Consequently, Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Morocco, and Mauritania have effectively determined that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026 CE, unless cloudy conditions delay the official sighting, in which case Ramadan may commence on Friday, February 20.

Astronomy bodies that rely on lunar calculations have indicated that Ramadan is likely to begin on February 18 or 19, with Eid Al Fitr expected around March 20. However, Islamic months remain dependent on confirmed crescent sightings, overseen by official moon-sighting committees, including the UAE’s. Public holiday dates will be formally announced only after confirmation.

Astronomical imaging supports observations

Improving weather conditions enabled a clearer image of the crescent of Sha’ban 1447 AH to be captured from Abu Dhabi by the Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory, affiliated with the International Astronomy Center. The image was taken on January 19, 2026, at 12:15 UAE time, when the moon’s distance from the sun measured 6.9 degrees.

 

According to the cabinet resolution concerning public holidays in the UAE, Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated from 01 to 03 Shawwal, with three official days of holiday observed nationwide.

2026-01-20T08:09:39Z