Casablanca – Astronomical projections in Kuwait point to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the likely first day of Ramadan, pending an official announcement by religious authorities.
Astronomer and historian Adel Al-Saadoun has also indicated that Ramadan is expected to last 30 days this year, placing Eid Al-Fitr on March 20, should the month begin on February 18, according to Aljarida, a Kuwaiti newspaper.
The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center said calculations show that the conjunction of the Ramadan crescent moon will occur before sunset on Tuesday, February 17. According to the center, the moon is expected to set just after sunset in Kuwait — a key astronomical condition traditionally used in calendar computations to signal the start of a new Hijri month.
Data released by the center indicates that the lower limb of the moon’s disk will set at approximately 5:38 pm, nearly simultaneous with sunset, while the full disk will disappear at 5:39 pm, with an elongation of about one degree.
In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where Kuwait aligns its similar prediction, the moon is forecast to remain visible for roughly three minutes after sunset, while in other Arab and Islamic countries, the visibility window is expected to be brief.
Astronomers note that the birth of the crescent before sunset, combined with its setting after sunset, fulfills the technical criteria adopted in astronomical calculations.
However, officials stress that the final decision rests with Kuwait’s Sharia Vision Authority and other competent religious bodies, which rely on both scientific data and traditional moon sighting procedures.
The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center confirmed it will take part in crescent observation efforts on February 17, responding to an invitation from Saudi authorities as part of broader regional coordination.
Separately, Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission has already outlined working hours for the holy month, signaling preparations for Ramadan’s expected arrival.
Government entities will operate on reduced schedules, with daily shifts set at four and a half hours. Flexible attendance will allow employees to begin their workday between 8:30 am and 10:30 am, while evening shifts must not start before 6:45 pm. The adjusted hours are designed to accommodate fasting employees while maintaining public services.
As always, Kuwait awaits the official announcement, with excited anticipation for the holiest month of the year.
Read more: Bahrain Expected to Start Ramadan 2026 on February 18
