Ramadan has officially been announced to begin tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 February 2026, following the UAE’s moon sighting committee confirmation this evening.
As always, the start of Ramadan follows the traditional sighting of the crescent moon. Across the UAE, astronomers, official observatories and religious committees came together to observe the skies after Maghrib, continuing a practice that blends science, faith and tradition.
In the lead-up to tonight’s announcement, moon sightings and astronomical discussions were already circulating online, with many following updates from local observatories and regional announcements.
While some astronomers had suggested visibility might be challenging, the official confirmation now marks tomorrow as the first day of fasting in the UAE.
The City Shifts into Ramadan Rhythm
Ramadan is one of the most meaningful times of the year across Abu Dhabi, bringing with it a shift in the city’s rhythm, slower mornings, glowing evenings and gatherings that continue long after sunset.
From iftar tables to late-night suhoor moments, the capital begins its transformation tonight.
Ramadan Mubarak from all of us at Secret Abu Dhabi.
