Overview
- The Emirates Astronomical Society says the new crescent will be born at 4:01 pm on February 17 and is not expected to be visible that evening, according to chairman Ibrahim Al Jarwan.
- Astronomers forecast that countries relying on confirmed local sightings are most likely to begin Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, with some variation possible in jurisdictions that could observe February 18 or 20.
- In the UAE, Al Jarwan projects a 29‑day Ramadan, which would place the last day on Thursday, March 19, and Eid al‑Fitr on Friday, March 20, pending official confirmation.
- Pakistan’s Ruet‑e‑Hilal Committee will announce the start date, while a published Lahore timetable lists sehri ending at 5:18 am and iftar at 5:54 pm on February 19 as a provisional guide.
- Fasting durations are expected to be about 13 hours 25 minutes in Abu Dhabi and roughly 13 to 13.5 hours across Pakistan, increasing slightly toward the end of the month.