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When does Ramadan 2025 start? Dates worldwide
On Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, Muslims worldwide will look for the crescent moon to mark the start of Ramadan 1446 AH.
Astronomical forecasts indicate that the fasting start date may differ across countries due to time zone variations affecting moon sightings.
Some nations are likely to declare Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan, while others may begin on Sunday, March 2, 2025, depending on when the moon is spotted.
Ramadan in New Zealand: Saturday, March 1
New Zealand announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in Syria: Saturday, March 1
Syria announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
First day of Ramadan in Iraq: Conflicting opinions
The Sunni Endowment Office announced that Saturday, March 1, is the first day of Ramadan while the Sistani Office (Shia) announced that Sunday, March 2, will be the first day.
Ramadan in Jordan: Saturday, March 1
Jordan announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Muslim Council for Cooperation in Europe announces Ramadan starts Saturday, March 1
Muslim Council for Cooperation in Europe announced that Saturday, March 1, will be the first day of Ramadan 2025.
Ramadan in Kuwait: Saturday, March 1
Kuwait announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in Palestine: Saturday, March 1
Palestine announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in Yemen: Saturday, March 1
Yemen announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in Bahrain: Saturday, March 1
Bahrain announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in UAE: Saturday, March 1
United Arab Emirates announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in Qatar: Saturday, March 1
Qatar announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in Oman: Saturday, March 1
Oman announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in Pakistan: Sunday, March 2
Pakistan announced that the first day of Ramadan 2025 will be on Sunday.
Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Saturday, March 1
Saudi Arabia officially announced that the moon has been sighted and Saturday will be the first day of Ramadan 2025 in the country.
Saudi Channel: Ramadan crescent sighted in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Channel announced that Ramadan crescent sighted at Tumair and Sudair observatories, awaiting Supreme Court announcement.
The official announcement by the country is yet to be made.
Ramadan in Japan: Sunday, March 2
Japan announced that the first day of Ramadan 2025 will be on Sunday.
Ramadan in Indonesia: Saturday, March 1
Malaysia announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan in Malaysia: Sunday, March 2
Malaysia announced that the first day of Ramadan will be on Sunday, March 2.
UAE first to use drones, AI for Ramadan crescent sighting
In an unprecedented global move, the UAE Council for Fatwa has announced the use of "drone aircraft" equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology to sight the crescent moon for the start of Ramadan this year.
The council confirmed that this innovative technique is the first of its kind in moon sighting, reflecting the UAE's leadership in adopting cutting-edge technological advancements in both religious and astronomical fields.
The council explained that drone-based moon sighting complements the traditional methods of direct visual observation, which remains the core basis for determining the start of the Islamic month.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to support traditional moon sighting operations, which include eyewitness reports, advanced astronomical observatories, and collaboration with national institutions and specialized centers to ensure accurate and reliable moon sighting results.
Ramadan in Turkey: Saturday, March 1
Turkey has confirmed that Ramadan 1446 Hijri will start on Saturday, March 1, 2025, based on the official moon sighting.
Ramadan in the Philippines: Sunday, March 2
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has announced that Ramadan 1446 Hijri will commence on Sunday, March 2, 2025, following the official moon sighting.
Muslims across the country will begin their month of fasting, prayer, and reflection in observance of this sacred time.
Ramadan in Australia: Saturday, March 1
Australian Fatwa Council announces Saturday, March 1, as the first day of Ramadan.
Ramadan in Brunei: Sunday, March 2
Brunei has announced that Sunday, March 2, 2025, will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan after the crescent moon was not sighted.
Saudi Arabia sets date for Ramadan crescent moon sighting 1446/2025
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called upon all Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon for the holy month of Ramadan on the evening of Friday, 29 Sha'ban 1446 AH, corresponding to Feb. 28, 2025, according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the court clarified that this invitation is based on its decision No. (191/H) dated 29 Rajab 1446 AH, which designated Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, as the start of the month of Sha'ban.
The court urged anyone able to sight the crescent with the naked eye or binoculars to report to the nearest court to register their testimony or contact the nearest center to facilitate access to the courts.
It also encouraged those who can participate in the sighting efforts to join the committees formed for this purpose, emphasizing that this promotes cooperation in righteousness and piety and serves the public interest of Muslims.
The court expressed hope that this effort will contribute to accurately determining the beginning of the holy month, praying for success in this endeavor. This announcement is part of the annual traditions of the Kingdom in welcoming Ramadan.
