What is Ramadan?
The Islamic calendar’s ninth month is Ramadan. Muslims do the following this month:
- Don’t eat or drink anything from dawn (suhoor) to sunset (iftar).
- Give more to charity and pray more.
- Read the Qur’an
- Focus on growing spiritually and being disciplined.
It is one of the five most important things in Islam.
When Does Ramadan Start In 2026?
Expected Start Date for Ramadan 2026
It is thought that Ramadan 2026 will start on: February 18, 2026, or February 19, 2026, on a Wednesday.
The start time depends on when the crescent moon is seen, which marks the start of the Islamic month.
Expected End Date for Ramadan 2026
Ramadan usually lasts 29 or 30 days, so it should end around: 18 March 2026, Wednesday or Friday, March 19, 2026
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Date to Look Forward To
Around Friday, March 20, 2026, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated. This is the end of Ramadan.
Important: The final dates are only official after the crescent moon is seen. Depending on decisions made by the country and local authorities, announcements can be moved by one day.
Why There Are Two Possible Dates?
The lunar calendar is used to keep track of Islamic months. When the new crescent moon is seen, Ramadan starts.
Some countries only use physical moon sighting committees, while others may also use astronomical calculations. One country may start fasting on February 18 because of this.
Another one may start on February 19. This difference is normal and happens almost every year.
When Will The Official Announcement of Ramadan 2026 Be?
Most countries with a lot of Muslims have official moon-sighting committee meetings the night before the expected start date.
For instance:
- In the UAE, the moon-sighting committee usually meets the night before the expected start date, which is around February 17, 2026.
- Saudi Arabia has a similar official announcement process.
- India, the UK, and the US may be able to confirm based on what people see or hear from well-known Islamic leaders.
Usually, official confirmation happens the night before the fast starts.
Is February 2026 Ramadan?
Yes. Ramadan 2026 is likely to start in the middle of February 2026 and last until the middle of March 2026.
Ramadan moves up a week earlier each year because the Islamic calendar is about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
Will The Hours of Work Change During Ramadan?
It depends on where you are:
In Saudi Arabia and the UAE:
- Most of the time, working hours are shorter in both the private and public sectors.
- Schools often cut back on their hours.
- Government offices are open for fewer hours.
In the UK, the US, and India:
- No official cuts to hours across the country.
- Some companies, on the other hand, may let Muslim workers choose their own hours.
If you’re going to the GCC for work or vacation, be ready for shorter business hours and later evening activities.
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What Changes During Ramadan?
- In countries where Muslims make up most of the population, restaurants may not be open during the day.
- Nightlife moves to late at night.
- Stores and cafes stay open much longer.
If you’re planning a trip:
- Make your reservations early for Eid week.
- Check the hours of business ahead of time.
- In big cities, you can expect lively night markets and Ramadan events.
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How Long Will Muslims Fast In 2026?
The hours you fast depend on where you are. The Northern Hemisphere’s Ramadan 2026 happens in late winter or early spring:
- UAE, Saudi Arabia and other gulf countries: about 12–13 hours
- UK: about 11 to 13 hours
- India: about 12 to 13 hours
- In the US, it depends on the state (10 to 14 hours, depending on latitude).
A Quick Summary
Around 18–19 February 2026, Ramadan is expected to start and around 18–19 March 2026, it is expected to end.
Eid al-Fitr is expected to happen around 20 March 2026. Depending on when the crescent moon is seen, the exact dates may be different in different countries.
Questions That Are Often Asked:
When will Ramadan 2026 be officially confirmed?
Usually, one evening before the expected start date, after official announcements about seeing the moon.
Why do some countries have different start dates?
Some people rely on local moon sightings, while others use astronomical calculations or news from other countries.
When should I make my travel plans for Eid?
Four to eight weeks before Eid is best to avoid price hikes.
Are the hours of fasting long in 2026?
No. In 2026, Ramadan will be in late winter or early spring, so most countries will have moderate hours of fasting.
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