Oman confirms 19 February as first day of Ramadan 2026

Authorities in Oman have announced that the first day of Ramadan in 2026 will fall on 19 February.

According to foreign media reports, Oman has become the first Arab country to announce the start date of Ramadan a full week in advance, based on confirmed moon-sighting calculations.

Oman’s state media reported that Wednesday, 18 February, will mark the final day of Shaban, while Thursday, 19 February 2026, will be observed as 1st Ramadan 1447 AH.

The Central Moon Sighting Committee of Oman stated that astronomical calculations have conclusively established that sighting the moon on Tuesday, the 29th of Shaban, is scientifically impossible.

The committee reiterated that when scientific evidence confirms the impossibility of a moon sighting on a given day, any testimony to the contrary is not accepted.

Based on these findings, the committee formally declared Thursday, 19 February 2026, as the first day of Ramadan.