Ramadan Start 2026 in Saudi Arabia

Ramadan begins with the official sighting of the new moon, as confirmed by religious authorities in Saudi Arabia. It marks the start of a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection for Muslims nationwide.

Ramadan Start: A Public Holiday?

Ramadan Start is not a public holiday in Saudi Arabia, but it is a highly significant religious observance. Work hours are usually reduced during the month, and the start is marked with special prayers and spiritual preparation.

Ramadan Start

Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in Islam, and its beginning holds deep importance for Muslims worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the start of Ramadan is traditionally confirmed through the sighting of the new moon, following Islamic lunar calendar practices. Religious scholars and officials gather to observe the moon, and once it is sighted, an official announcement is made.

This method has been followed for centuries, rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia plays a central role in guiding Islamic traditions, including the declaration of Ramadan. The country's religious leadership is respected across the Muslim world, and its moon sighting often influences when Ramadan is observed in other nations. The start of Ramadan marks not just a change in routine, but the beginning of a spiritually focused month.

Observance of Ramadan Start in Saudi Arabia

The start of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is a deeply spiritual and communal occasion. Once the moon is sighted and the official announcement is made, people begin preparing for the month ahead. The first evening includes the special Taraweeh prayers, held at mosques across the country. Families gather for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and prepare to begin fasting from sunrise to sunset the next day. The mood is calm, reflective, and full of anticipation for the blessings of Ramadan.

Mosques are beautifully lit, and Quran recitations become more common in homes and public spaces. People decorate their homes with lanterns and lights, and traditional foods are prepared for Suhoor and Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast. Shops and markets often stay open late to accommodate the new rhythm of daily life. While it is not a public holiday, many workplaces adjust schedules to allow people to rest during the day and worship at night. The first few days are especially meaningful as families and communities come together in prayer and shared meals.

Ramadan Start is not just the beginning of fasting—it marks a shift in focus toward faith, charity, and discipline. It carries even greater weight in Saudi Arabia because of the country's religious significance in the Muslim world. The announcement of Ramadan is a moment of unity and spiritual renewal. It reminds people of their connection to their faith, to one another, and to the values of compassion and patience. For many, the start of Ramadan is a time of peace and purpose that sets the tone for the rest of the month.

Ramadan Start Observances