Saudi Arabia declares first day of Ramadan 2026

What is Ramadan?

The annual observance of Ramadan commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (SWT) first revelation and is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. The holy month lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

Fasting from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) is obligatory (fard) during the month for all adult Muslims who are not chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, pregnant, or menstruating. Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset. Non-Muslims, as well are obliged to respect the fasting practices in public, so if you do have to leave the house for any reason during the day, please ensure you refrain from any of the above activities.

The two main meals during the month include the predawn meal (suhoor) and the nightly breaking of fasts (iftar). The month is dedicated to reflection and looking inward; Muslims devote their time to learning the Qur’an and praying.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is the foundation of the religion. The pillars are the framework by which Muslims everywhere live, and Ramadan is considered the holiest time in the Islamic calendar. It is a time for prayer, reflection and religious devotion, to cleanse past sins and to focus on Allah through good deeds.

This year, the month will end on either Saturday March 29 or Sunday March 30, depending on the sighting of the crescent. The country welcomes the month with incredible iftars, suhoors, Ramadan tents, and an incredible Ramadan Season, so we cannot wait to see what Ramadan 2026 in Saudi Arabia looks like.