The UAE has urged residents to sight the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, February 17.
The International Astronomy Center confirmed that the crescent marking the end of Shaaban 1447 AH was photographed in Abu Dhabi by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, which is affiliated with the Center.
The crescent was sighted on Monday, February 16 at 8:15 am UAE time. According to the observatory:
- Moon’s distance from the Sun: 15.7 degrees
- Moon’s age: –33 hours and 37 minutes
Using advanced astronomical imaging techniques, the observatory recorded the crescent as part of ongoing efforts to refine moon-sighting methods and enhance the accuracy of lunar calendar calculations.
Muslims urged to sight Ramadan crescent
The UAE Council for Fatwa has called on residents to sight the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, ahead of the committee meeting at Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, scheduled for 6 pm.
Chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Al Mahfouz bin Bayyah and attended by Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, the committee will review reports from observatories and public submissions after Maghrib prayer to confirm the start of the lunar month.
Residents are encouraged to submit crescent sightings through the Council’s online platform, continuing the prophetic tradition of moon observation.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the kingdom to observe the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening, the 29th day of Sha’ban 1447 AH.
