What Happened
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, millions of Muslims worldwide are preparing for the significant dates associated with it. In Oman, the Ramadan crescent was not sighted on February 17, leading to the commencement of fasting on February 19, 2026. This differs from neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which may have different starting dates due to lunar observations.
Why It Matters
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, making the sighting of the crescent moon crucial for determining the start of Ramadan and subsequent months. In Oman, the public holiday for Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Ramadan 29, which falls on March 19, 2026, and will last until Shawwal 3. This holiday is significant as it marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid celebrations.
What’s Next
According to local reports, Eid Al Fitr in Oman is anticipated to start on March 20, 2026, based on astronomical calculations. This means residents will enjoy a public holiday from March 19 to March 22, 2026, with the possibility of an additional day off if Eid coincides with a Friday. As Ramadan approaches, communities are also preparing for various cultural and religious events, including private iftar experiences at venues like Jumeirah Al Naseem.
