Saudi Arabia Sets 1 Ramadan for Wednesday 18 February

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced that the hilal (crescent moon) determining the start of Ramadan has been sighted. Saudi Arabia will begin the Ramadan 1447 fast on Wednesday, 18 February.

As reported by Arab News on Tuesday (17/2/2026), the Ramadan fast will commence on Wednesday, 18 February. Muslims will abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk throughout the holy month.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, reflection, and community. The holy month concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Previously, the Indonesian government determined that 1 Ramadan 1447 H falls on Thursday, 19 February 2026, meaning the fast will begin the day after tomorrow.

The determination of the start of Ramadan was decided during an isbat session held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The isbat session took place at Hotel Borobudur, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (17/2/2026), chaired by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar.

“Based on astronomical calculations, today’s hilal data does not meet the MABIMS hilal criteria,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar at a press conference following the isbat session.