Short Description:
Oman officially declares Ramadan 2026 will begin on February 19, with short, moderate fasting hours expected across the Arab world due to its winter timing.
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Main Article:
Oman has officially announced the start date for Ramadan 2026, setting a definitive calendar for millions of Muslims. The Sultanate’s Moon-sighting committee confirmed that the holy month will commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026 (1st Ramadan 1447 AH). This early declaration, based on astronomical calculations that ruled out a visible crescent moon on February 17th, provides exceptional long-range clarity for financial planners, global supply chains, and businesses operating in Muslim-majority markets. For the Finance niche in the United States, this foresight is crucial for forecasting commodity demand, managing logistics around major Islamic markets, and understanding seasonal economic cycles.
This timing means Ramadan 2026 will fall squarely in late winter for the Northern Hemisphere. Consequently, the fasting hours in Ramadan 2026 are projected to be among the shortest and most moderate in years, averaging between 12 to 14 hours daily across Arab nations. This significant reduction from summer months—when fasting can exceed 16 hours—directly impacts consumer behavior. Expect shifts in energy consumption patterns, retail sales peak hours, and the performance of food and beverage stocks as eating windows are condensed into shorter, cooler evenings.
The gradual lengthening of days will add approximately 30 minutes of fasting time from the beginning to the end of the month. For market analysts, this period is marked by predictable changes in liquidity in Islamic financial hubs, fluctuations in trading volumes, and heightened consumer spending on Iftar meals in Ramadan and Eid preparations. For international investors and businesses, aligning strategies with this Islamic calendar 2026 schedule, from supply chain logistics to marketing campaigns, is key to capitalizing on the unique economic pulse of the holy month.
Short Summary:
Oman’s announcement sets Ramadan 2026 from February 19th, bringing short winter fasting hours of 12-14 daily. This clarity allows financial and corporate sectors to strategically plan for the shifts in consumer spending, commodity demand, and market liquidity characteristic of the holy month. Understanding this Islamic calendar 2026 schedule is essential for engaging with key global markets.
