How is the start of Ramadan decided?
Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the next crescent. 2
Some countries rely on astronomical calculations, while others require the crescent to be seen with the naked eye or optical instruments, so a lunar month can start a day earlier in one country than in another. 4
How does Saudi Arabia decide?
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court calls on Muslims in the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent on the evening of 29 Sha'ban, and asks anyone who sees it with the naked eye or binoculars to notify the nearest court and record their testimony there. 5
The Supreme Court's crescent department (Dairat al-Ahilla) then reviews the sighting reports sent by the courts and issues its decision. On the evening of Tuesday 17 February 2026, 29 Sha'ban 1447 according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, the sighting was confirmed, and the department decided that Wednesday 18 February 2026 was the first day of Ramadan 1447. 7
If the crescent is seen that evening, Ramadan starts the next day; if not, Sha'ban completes 30 days and Ramadan starts the day after. In 2023, for example, the crescent was not seen on the evening of 29 Sha'ban, and the Supreme Court announced that Ramadan would start on Thursday 23 March. 5 6
What is the Umm al-Qura calendar?
The Umm al-Qura calendar is Saudi Arabia's official civil calendar. Its dates are computed years ahead using astronomical criteria referenced to Mecca, and contracts, official paperwork and schedules run on them. 1
The start of months for religious purposes is decided by sighting, and the announcement can fall one day before or after the printed date. 1
Even so, the sighting evening itself follows this calendar: the Supreme Court's decision for Ramadan 1447 refers to "the twenty-ninth of Sha'ban … according to the Umm al-Qura calendar." 7
How do the UAE and Qatar decide?
The UAE follows an official announcement from the moon-sighting committee of the UAE Council for Fatwa, in coordination with national institutions and monitoring centres. 2
In Qatar, the Moon Sighting Committee of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs meets in Doha to verify sighting testimonies on 29 Sha'ban and then announces the start of the month. In February 2026, for example, it announced that Ramadan 1447 would start on Wednesday 18 February. 3
When will Ramadan 2027 start?
According to astronomical forecasts reported by Gulf News from Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, Ramadan 2027 is expected to start on Monday 8 February, subject to official confirmation of the moon sighting. The month will last 29 or 30 days, putting Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday 9 March or Wednesday 10 March 2027. 4
This matches the Umm al-Qura calendar, which puts 1 Ramadan 1448 on 8 February 2027 and 1 Shawwal 1448 on 9 March 2027. 1
What should you do as the date approaches?
For work or travel planning, use 8 February 2027 as a working date and allow for a one-day shift. On the evening of 29 Sha'ban, follow the official announcement in your country: it is what decides when the fast begins. 1 4