Moon sighted in Saudi Arabia, first day of Ramazan on Feb 18

UAE also declares Feb 18 as first day of Ramazan after crescent sighting and cannon salutes

The crescent moon for Ramazan was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with the first day of the holy month to be observed on February 18.

According to Khaleej Times, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia officially announced the sighting for Ramazan's crescent moon for the Islamic Year 1447 AH, after the positive nod by credible experts and astronomers.

Urgent || The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has declared that tomorrow, Wednesday, 18th February 2026, is the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH. pic.twitter.com/gmHqwtJvlg

— The Holy Mosques (@theholymosques) February 17, 2026

Ramazan is the holiest month across the Islamic countries and ends with the celeberations of Eidul Fitr.

The United Arab Emirates also declared the first day of Ramazan on Feb 18, after crescent sightings recorded in the region and cannons fired the welcome for the holy month.

The Presidental Court announced to mark Feb 18, as first day of Ramazan, followed by the confirmation of the state's moon-sighting committee.

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also congratulated the people of the UAE and all Arab and Islamic nations on the blessed month of Ramazan.

نبارك لشعب الإمارات ولجميع الشعوب العربية والإسلامية شهر رمضان المبارك …
شهر كريم وموسم فضيل.. شهر الخير والعطاء وصلة الأرحام واجتماع الأسر وتطهير النفوس..

نسأل الله أن يعيده علينا وعليكم ونحن في أمن وأمان وسلامة وإسلام .. وتقبل الله منا ومنكم صالح الأعمال .

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 17, 2026

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said on Friday that the first day of the holy month was likely to fall on February 19 in Pakistan.

Read More: Ramazan likely to begin on Feb 19: Suparco

The commission had said the new moon of Ramazan was to be born on Feb 17 at 5:01pm.

"The age of the moon at sunset on Feb 18, 2026 will be approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes. The period between sunset and moonset in coastal areas is expected to be approximately 59 minutes," it said, confirming an earlier forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

It added that based on astronomical data, the chances of the moon being visible to the eye on the evening of February 18 were high, adding that therefore, "the first day of Ramazan is likely to be on Feb 19."

February 19: First day in Türkiye, Oman, Singapore and Australia

Muslims in Türkiye, Oman, Singapore and Australia will begin fasting in Ramazan on Thursday, after authorities in the four countries confirmed the start of the holy month based on astronomical calculations.

Safi Arpagus, head of the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs, said the first Tarawih will be held on Wednesday evening and the first day of fasting will be on Thursday.

Oman also confirmed that Muslims in the country will start fasting in Ramazan on Thursday. Authorities in the Gulf country said that Wednesday will be the last day of Shaaban, the eighth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, without calling for a public moon sighting.

Assistant Grand Mufti Kahlan bin Nabhan al-Kharousi said the decision is based on long-established religious and scientific principles.

Muslims in Singapore will also begin fasting on Feb 19, according to a statement by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).

Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir said astronomical calculations showed the new moon would not be sighted at sunset on Feb 17, meaning that the last day of Shaban will be on Feb 18 and the start of Ramazan will be observed on Feb 19.

Australia also confirmed that the fasting month will start on Thursday, based on astronomical calculations, a decision endorsed by the Australian Fatwa Council after consultations led by Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohamad.