Many residents of the UAE are eagerly anticipating the holidays of 2026, while fondly recalling the long weekends that seemed to pass in the blink of an eye this year. As always, the faithful across the country are keenly awaiting the dates of major religious events scheduled for the coming year.

The UAE's Astronomy Centre on Monday revealed likely dates for major Islamic events in 2026, corresponding to 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar.

Months in the Hijri calendar last 29 to 30 days and are determined on the basis of the Moon sighting. The UAE's Moon sighting committee gathers to sight the Moon at the end of every month, and urges residents to do the same on important occasions.

Important to note is that the newly released dates are based on astronomical calculations. These may differ from official holiday dates and should merely be considered as the most likely dates, the authority stated. 

Ramadan

Residents of the UAE are in for a treat with Ramadan set to fall in the cooler month of February next year. The holy month, which is observed by Muslims across the globe, shifts 10 to 12 days behind every year. This year, Ramadan was on Saturday, March 1.

The month of Ramadan, which lasts 29 or 30 days, is observed with the act of fasting from dawn to dusk, and highlights the qualities of abstinence and charity.

For 2026, the crescent is likely to be sighted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This would mean that the holy month would begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in some parts of the world.

Since the moon sighting differs in eastern and western regions of the world, countries located in the eastern region will sight the moon on Wednesday, February 18, and start fasting from Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Eid-ul-Fitr

The occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr is marked at the end of Ramadan, where faithful come together to celebrate the end of the fasting and charitable month. The Moon sighting to commence the month of Shawwal depends on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.

It is expected to be on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This means that Eid-ul-Fitr could fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.

This date will also differ depending on which part of the world you are in, with eastern regions usually sighting the moon a day later.