As UAE communities prepare for Ramadan 2026, a prominent astronomer has issued a crucial warning regarding potential misinformation surrounding the traditional moon-sighting ceremony that marks the beginning of the holy month. Engineer Odeh, a respected astronomical authority in the region, has alerted worshippers about scientifically impossible claims of crescent visibility that could disrupt religious observances.
According to precise astronomical calculations, the crescent moon marking the commencement of Ramadan 1447 AH will not be visible anywhere across the Arab or Islamic world on February 17, 2026. Scientific data indicates that the moon will set before sunset in eastern Islamic regions, simultaneously with sunset in central areas, and merely minutes after sunset in western territories—insufficient time for the crescent to become visibly distinct after the astronomical conjunction.
Technical analysis reveals particularly challenging viewing conditions in the UAE, where the moon will set one full minute before sunset. In Riyadh, the setting occurs 42 seconds prior to sunset, while Tabuk in Saudi Arabia presents the most favorable—yet still inadequate—conditions with simultaneous setting times. The moon’s surface age of just 1 hour and 49 minutes with minimal angular separation from the sun makes naked-eye observation scientifically impossible across all regions.
The Astronomy Centre, supported by both religious scholars and scientific experts, confirms that searching for the crescent after sunset on February 17th is unnecessary in areas where the moon sets before or simultaneously with the sun. Authorities emphasize that reliance on unverified sightings could create community-wide confusion, potentially causing some worshippers to begin fasting and prayers prematurely.
Religious and astronomical authorities are urging all communities to exclusively follow verified reports from officially recognized astronomical centers and religious institutions to maintain unity in observance schedules. This coordinated approach ensures that Ramadan commences uniformly across communities, preserving the spiritual integrity of Islam’s holiest month while respecting scientific accuracy.