Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the commencement of Ramadan 1447 AH, with the holy month set to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The announcement followed the successful sighting of the Ramadan crescent from the Kingdom’s Sudair Observatory on Tuesday evening, corresponding to the 29th of Shaban in the Islamic calendar.
The crescent observation process incorporated advanced technological assistance for the first time at the newly inaugurated Tamir Observatory, a facility specifically designated for official moon sightings and crescent monitoring. Astronomical expert Abdullah Al-Khudairi confirmed that the annular eclipse phenomenon would not affect the visibility of the Ramadan crescent, ensuring accurate determination of the lunar month’s start.
Concurrent with the astronomical confirmation, Gulf nations have implemented adjusted working schedules to accommodate the spiritual observances. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced a two-hour daily reduction in working hours for private sector employees throughout Ramadan. Public sector employees will follow modified schedules from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Thursday and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays.
Human resources experts note that while the reduced hours initially present operational challenges, they ultimately foster more deliberate work structures and increased productivity. The arrangement provides Muslim residents additional time for prayer, reflection, and family activities during the holy month, serving as both a spiritual reset and an opportunity for workplace efficiency optimization.
The coordinated approach across Gulf nations demonstrates the region’s commitment to balancing religious observance with economic continuity, maintaining cultural traditions while implementing modern scientific methods for lunar determination.