Ramadan 2026: Saudi Arabia calls on Muslims to sight crescent moon on Feb. 17

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court on Sunday called on Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon of Ramadan on the evening of Tuesday, February 17.

“The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sights it (the moon) with the naked eye or through binoculars to inform the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center to assist them in reaching the nearest court,” the authority said in its statement.

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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims.

Depending on the sighting of the moon, Ramadan is expected to either begin around February 18 or February 19.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar, and the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called Suhoor.

Working hours for most public and many private sector employees are reduced across the GCC.

Read more: Egypt reveals start date of month of Rajab as countdown to Ramadan begins