Emirates Astronomy Society forecasts a Thursday kick-off; official date will be confirmed by the moon-sighting committee

The Ramadan countdown has quietly started. The Emirates Astronomy Society says preliminary astronomical calculations point to Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the likely first day of fasting in the UAE. Society chairman Ibrahim Al Jarwan explained the timing like this: the crescent of Ramadan is due to be born on Tuesday, February 17, in the afternoon, but it will set too close to sunset to be visible that evening. That pushes the first fasting day to Thursday, pending the formal moon-sighting that sets the calendar in the UAE.

Here is what that means for planning

Schools and offices usually start sketching spring schedules around these forecasts, and hospitality teams map out iftar menus, suhoor tents, and special timings for the third week of February. If you are looking at travel or family visits, treat the February 17 to 21 window as your working guide and expect venues to publish Ramadan hours once the official announcement is made.

For newcomers, the rhythm is straightforward with a little preparation. Daytime hours at some attractions may shift, restaurants will update opening times, and you will see a wave of pop-ups for suhoor, Ramadan night markets, and community events. Evenings come alive after iftar, and the first weekend often feels like a citywide reunion as friends plan their opening nights together.

It is important to underline the process. The Emirates Astronomy Society provides the science and the projection, but the official start in the UAE is confirmed by the moon-sighting committee on the eve of Ramadan. That announcement is the moment diaries go from pencilled to permanent. Until then, the forecast helps residents and businesses get ready without overcommitting to dates.

There is also a seasonal shift that adds to the mood. By late February, mornings feel cooler, outdoor iftars return, and late-night coffee runs become a small ritual. If you want to make the most of the month, start shortlisting your must-try iftars now, keep an eye on suhoor concepts that book out quickly, and think about simple routines that make weekdays easier, from earlier grocery runs to a walk after sunset.

We will update once the moon-sighting committee makes its call in mid-February. For now, the guidance from the Emirates Astronomy Society gives everyone a helpful head start.

Image: Archive