Sighting the crescent moon of Ramadan 2026: Crucial minutes and exceptional difficulty in observing the crescent

Arab Weather - Arab and Islamic countries will be observing the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 AH this evening, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, amid astronomical indicators suggesting that it will be difficult or impossible to see in a number of countries. The official announcement is expected after sunset to determine whether Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of Ramadan or whether the month of Sha'ban will be completed.

Astronomically, the crescent moon is born at 3:01 PM Saudi Arabia and Jordan time, a few hours before sunset. Its age at sunset in most Arab countries is only between 3 and 4 hours, which is too young to be seen with the naked eye, as sighting usually requires an age between 12 and 15 hours.

Calculations indicate that the moon will set with the sun in the UAE and Oman, making the crescent moon impossible to see there. In Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the crescent will remain visible for only one to four minutes after sunset, a very short duration, while in Nouakchott, West Africa, it will remain visible for a maximum of about 12 minutes.

The following are the times of sunset and moonset in Arab countries, and the duration of the crescent moon's visibility on the horizon after sunset: