Ramadan 2026 UAE: Moon Sighting Committee Sits Today on Feb 17

UAE moon sighting committee meets tonight at Qasr Al Hosn for Ramadan 2026 crescent. If sighted after Maghrib, fasting begins Wednesday, February 18. Astronomers warn visibility is unlikely due to solar eclipse proximity; safety risks apply. Ramadan likely starts Thursday, February 19. Official announcement pending.

The UAE Council for Fatwa calls on residents to sight the Ramadan crescent moon this evening, February 17, 2026. This sighting on 29 Shaban 1447 AH determines if Ramadan 2026 starts tomorrow or Thursday.

Today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Islamic date in UAE is 29 Shaban 1447 AH. The Council for Fatwa sets the moon-sighting committee meeting at 6:00 PM.

The committee gathers at historic Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Al Mahfoudh bin Bayyah chairs the session. They start after Maghrib prayer. Members review reports from field teams and observatories across the emirates. They verify public testimonies too.

If the committee confirms a sighting tonight, Ramadan 2026 begins tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18. If no sighting occurs, Shaban completes 30 days. Ramadan starts Thursday, February 19.

The International Astronomical Center (IAC) in Abu Dhabi warns strongly. The moon sits very close to the sun today amid a partial solar eclipse phase. Use telescopes or binoculars without proper filters risks permanent eye damage.

Many astronomers predict sighting proves impossible tonight. Science points to Thursday, February 19, as the Ramadan 2026 start date in UAE. The committee decides after testimonies. Await the official UAE declaration on Ramadan 2026.