Cairo, Egypt – Egyptians are preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr for 2026. They are closely monitoring astronomical calculations to determine their start dates.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta (the official body for issuing religious edicts) will announce the official date after the sighting of the new moon.
According to the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH is expected to be born astronomically following the central conjunction at 2:02 PM Cairo time on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (29 Sha’ban 1447 AH).
The moon will set 3 to 4 minutes after sunset in Cairo and other Egyptian cities. Therefore, the crescent moon will be visible in several regions according to Islamic criteria.
The date of Ramadan
Accordingly, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will be the 30th of Sha’ban.
The first day of Ramadan, astronomically speaking, will be Thursday, February 19, 2026. Yet, the official date will be announced after the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Tuesday, February 17.
While the International Astronomical Center indicated that Ramadan will last 30 days, ending on Friday, March 20, 2026.
And the first day of Eid al-Fitr, according to astronomical calculations, will be Saturday, March 21, 2026.
The Dar al-Ifta (Egyptian Fatwa Authority) will announce the official date after sighting the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026 (the 29th of Ramadan).
Eid al-Fitr holiday dates
The Cabinet is expected to issue an official decree specifying the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
And The holiday will begin on the first day of Eid and continue until the third day.
There is the possibility of extension if Eid coincides with a weekend.
Therefore, employees may be granted extended leave.
It is worth noting that all the dates mentioned are preliminary astronomical estimates.
The official start and end dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr depend on the official sighting of the crescent moon.
This is conducted by the Dar al-Ifta in accordance with Islamic law.
