When Does Ramadan Begin in 2026? Expected Moon Sighting and Dates

The holy month of Ramadan 2026 has officially commenced in Saudi Arabia and the UAE today, Wednesday, 18 February, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening. While Gulf nations have already begun their first day of fasting, millions of Muslims in India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries are expected to sight the moon tonight. This sighting would mark Thursday, February 19, as their first day of Ramadan.

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This staggered start initiates a month of spiritual reflection and dawn-to-dusk fasting, along with a massive shift in the global ‘night economy’ and corporate operations across the Middle East and Asia.

Navigating the New Reality of Shorter Working Hours and Price Controls

Governments in the region are moving proactively to protect workers and shoppers. In the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has ordered a two-hour cut in daily working hours for private-sector staff. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of whether they are fasting or not.

According to Gulf Business, stronger coordination and legal frameworks have been unveiled to strengthen oversight of product and service prices. The UAE has also banned price increases on nine basic items, including rice, sugar, and milk. This will help keep markets stable at a time when people spend 20-40% more than usual on food and charity.

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Ramadan 2026: Hidden Impact on Global Supply Chains and Logistics

Many news reports miss the ‘logistics cliff’ that businesses face during Ramadan. This year, the Ramadan period is unique in this regard, as the holy month closely follows other major global holidays. Worker productivity usually drops by 35-50% during the holy month. Shorter hours at shipping ports can also cause big delays.

According to Transcorp International, "The most critical time during Ramadan is how Eid Al Fitr impacts the rest of logistics... anything too close to the holiday will lead to vessels waiting in anchorage and containers stacked at ports."

Companies in the Gulf need to plan for fewer trucks as drivers work shorter shifts. Urban traffic congestion peaks late at night. Thus, delivery companies must use better routes to avoid missing out on customers. 

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These strategic moves by local businesses make the message clear to global ones. Shipments definitely need a buffer of at least 2-3 weeks.

Failing to do this could lead to empty shelves and long delays as the world prepares for the Eid Al Fitr holiday in mid-March.