Ramadan countdown begins after Rajab crescent sighted in Middle East

The countdown to the month of Ramadan begins with Abu Dhabi confirming the sighting of the crescent moon of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar.

According to Gulf News, Sunday is the first day of Rajab, one of Islam’s four sacred months.

Rajab marks the beginning of the final spiritual approach toward Ramadan, which traditionally follows the completion of Rajab and the subsequent month of Sha’ban.

Ramadan is expected to begin in approximately 60 to 61 days, subject to official moon sightings, if both Rajab and Sha’ban run their customary 29 to 30 days.

As with all Islamic months, the exact start of fasting will ultimately depend on the confirmed sighting of the Ramadan crescent by authorised religious bodies in each country.

The Gulf News reported that, in Abu Dhabi, astronomers were also able to document the sighting of Rajab crescent scientifically.

The Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, part of the International Astronomy Centre, successfully photographed the daytime crescent of Rajab 1447 AH on Dec 20, 2025 at 4:30pm UAE time, when the moon was positioned 6.7 degrees from the sun, the Gulf News added.