Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have officially declared that Wednesday, February 19, 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan. This announcement came through various news agencies, stating that the decision was based on moon sighting confirmations from respective authorities. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Supreme Court had determined the date based on traditional methods of lunar observation.

In Qatar, the announcement was made by the Qatari News Agency, citing confirmation from the Moon Sighting Committee of the Ministry of Endowments. This reflects a regional consensus in observing Ramadan, which is an important month for Muslims worldwide, filled with fasting, prayer, and reflection. Such announcements are significant as they unify the timing of this sacred month across different countries in the Gulf region.

In contrast, Indonesia has declared that Thursday will be the start of Ramadan, highlighting varying practices in different Islamic countries regarding lunar observations and the commencement of important religious periods. This divergence emphasizes the cultural and religious diversity within the Muslim world, as communities strive to balance tradition with local astronomical practices.