Ramadan moon sighting 2026: Will the UAE break with Saudi Arabia on start of holy month?

UAE astronomers have stated it will be scientifically impossible to sight the crescent moon on the day Saudi Arabia is expected to announce the start of Ramadan in 2026. This has prompted speculation that the UAE may break with custom and begin the holy month a day after its neighbor, a move set against a backdrop of deteriorating diplomatic relations. The potential divergence highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two Gulf powers, as the UAE's scientific bodies contradict Saudi Arabia's traditional religious declarations. For years, Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for reporting moon sightings that astronomers insist are impossible, a practice it has never officially addressed.