Oman Announces First Day of Ramadan 2026
- Publish date: since 4 hours Reading time: 1 min read
The Sultanate becomes the first GCC country to lock in the date after confirming the crescent moon won’t be visible on Shaaban 29.
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Ramadan 2026 officially begins in Oman on Thursday, February 19.
The country’s Main Committee for Moon Sighting confirmed that the crescent moon cannot be seen on Shaaban 29, meaning Wednesday, February 18 will complete the month of Shaaban, and fasting will start the next day.
If you’re planning your schedules, prayers, or that first iftar invite — mark your calendar.
Why February 19 Is the First Day
According to the committee, astronomical data shows that the moon will set before or at sunset on Tuesday, February 17 (Shaaban 29) across all governorates of Oman.
In simple terms:
If the moon sets before the sun, you can’t see the crescent. No crescent, no new month.
Because sighting the moon that evening is scientifically impossible, authorities ruled that Shaaban will complete 30 days — making February 19 the first day of Ramadan.
The decision follows the country’s established religious and scientific standards, which do not accept sightings that contradict confirmed astronomical calculations.
Oman is First in the GCC to Announce Ramadan 2026
Oman is the first Gulf country to officially confirm the start date this year, days ahead of traditional moon sighting announcements in other parts of the region.
Meanwhile in the UAE, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) has also forecast that the crescent will not be visible on February 17, even with advanced telescopes — not just in the UAE, but across most of the Islamic world.
That aligns with Oman’s announcement, pointing to a likely February 19 start across several countries.
More official confirmations from other GCC nations are expected soon.
For now, Oman has spoken: Ramadan begins Thursday, February 19.