Saudi Arabia Confirms Ramadan 2026 Begins Wednesday

T The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the commencement of Ramadan 1447. With the Hilal confirmed on Tuesday evening, fasting will begin at dawn on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

A post by Muslim on X stated, “BREAKING: Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Taraweeh will begin tonight on the first evening of the blessed month. It’s recommended to follow the fasting time designated by your local community and country.”

Taraweeh prayers are scheduled to be observed after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night, ushering in the holy month dedicated to prayer, reflection and devotion. Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are expected to begin fasting on Wednesday.

However, authorities in Japan confirmed that Ramadan will commence on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon was not sighted. Similar announcements were made in Oman, Singapore and Turkey, where fasting will also begin on Thursday.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the five pillars of Islam. More than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide are expected to observe the month-long fast from dawn to sunset.