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  "path": "/partner/saudi-announces-start-ramadan",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-17T16:05:25.000Z",
  "site": "https://nukta.com",
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nSaudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have officially announced that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was sighted.\n\nSaudi Arabia’s Royal Court confirmed that Ramadan would begin on Wednesday following the verified moon sighting, signaling the start of the holy month for Muslims across the kingdom, home to Islam’s two holiest sites.\n\nIn the UAE, the UAE Presidential Court said the decision was made after the Moon Sighting Committee, convened by the UAE Council for Fatwa in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening (29 Shaaban 1447 AH), confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent. Accordingly, Wednesday was declared the first day of the holy month in the country.\n\nThe Presidential Court extended congratulations on the occasion to the UAE leadership, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the rulers of the Emirates and the people of the UAE, a statement reported by Gulf News.\n\nRamadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks its end. Astronomical forecasts suggest Ramadan in 2026 is likely to last 29 days, subject to official confirmation.\n\nThe holy month, observed by hundreds of millions of Muslims worldwide, begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring abstention from eating and drinking during daylight hours, while emphasizing charity and support for those in need.",
  "title": "UAE announces start of Ramadan on Wednesday"
}