UAE Calls on Residents to Sight Ramadan 2026 Crescent

The UAE is urging residents to look for the Ramadan crescent as the country’s Moon-Sighting Committee prepares to meet Tuesday evening to determine the start of Ramadan 2026.

The committee, organised by the UAE Fatwa Council, will convene after Maghrib prayer at Qasr Al Hosn to assess field reports, observatory data and public testimonies from across the country. Based on the findings, authorities will announce whether Ramadan begins on Wednesday, February 18, or Thursday, February 19.

How the UAE moon sighting works

Islamic scholars say moon sighting is both a religious duty and a community practice rooted in tradition. Public participation remains central, with residents encouraged to observe the crescent shortly after sunset.

At the same time, astronomical science supports the process. Mohammed Shawkat Odah, director of the International Astronomical Union, has said that scientific calculations are meant to support, not replace, traditional moon sighting.

Where and when to look for the Ramadan crescent

According to Dubai Astronomy Group, the best chance of spotting the crescent is shortly after sunset while facing the western horizon.

“In the UAE, Muslims are encouraged to look for the new crescent shortly after sunset, from locations with a clear western horizon, ideally away from city lights, like open desert areas, beaches or elevated viewpoints,” Khadijah Ahmad, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, said.

She added that sightings can be attempted with the naked eye, and binoculars may sometimes help. However, she warned against telescope use by the general public.

“We don’t recommend for the public to use telescopes to see the moon as the sun glare can cause eye damage,” she said.

Visibility on Tuesday is expected to be challenging.

“The Moon will still be extremely close to the Sun and very low on the horizon, which makes visual sighting highly unlikely even with optical aid,” she added.

What to do if you see the Ramadan moon

Residents who believe they have sighted the crescent are asked to immediately report it to the UAE Fatwa Council through its official hotline or online reporting platforms. All claims are reviewed and verified before any public announcement is issued.

Astronomers across the country will also conduct coordinated observation attempts using specialised equipment.

“Our team will be out tomorrow evening, even though scientifically we expect visibility to be extremely difficult,” Khadijah said.

“This is part of our role: we conduct observational attempts using telescopes and imaging equipment, record sky conditions, and document whether any detection is possible. Our astronomers follow all the visibility criteria and compare observations with global reports.”

The Moon-Sighting Committee will review these findings alongside public reports before issuing the UAE’s official decision on the start of Ramadan through approved government channels.