Ramadhan 2026: What about the fasting hours

Published: 06:02 AM,Feb 03,2026 | EDITED : 10:02 AM,Feb 03,2026

Ramadhan, which is expected to begin in February, will also have the shortest fasting hours in the range between 12 and 13 hours in the Sultanate of Oman after 31 years.

The weather across the GCC is expected to be moderate at the start of the month, only to get warmer by mid-March. In Muscat, the Iftar time is expected to be around 6:04 PM in February and around 6:17 PM towards the end of the holiday month.

Ramadhan is likely to begin on either Wednesday, February 18, or Thursday, February 19, depending on the official sighting of the crescent moon. Last year, it started on March 1, 2025, in Oman. Records show that Ramadhan previously began on February 12 in 1994 and on February 1 in 1995.

Based on current astronomical projections, the holy month is expected to begin on February 8 in 2027. Most countries are expected to observe the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadhan on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. However, astronomical calculations indicate that sighting the crescent on that day will not be possible from any part of the Arab and Islamic world, whether with the naked eye, using telescopes, or even advanced astronomical imaging techniques.

Accordingly, in countries that require a confirmed crescent sighting to determine the beginning of the Hijri month, Wednesday is expected to complete the month of Shaaban, with Thursday, February 19, likely to mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadhan.

Nevertheless, Ramadhan may begin on Wednesday, February 18, in some countries that apply different criteria for determining the start of the month. According to astronomical calculations, these expectations are based on precise observational data and established scientific standards used to assess crescent visibility.

Official working hours in 2025

For government sector employees, working hours will be five continuous hours per day, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
A flexible working system may be implemented, allowing employees to start between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM, provided they complete the required hours.
Remote work was also permitted for roles that allow it, though at least 50% of employees must be physically present at the workplace.

For the private sector, working hours for Muslim employees will be reduced to six hours per day, not exceeding 30 hours per week. The Ministry encouraged private sector establishments to adopt flexible working arrangements and remote work where feasible, ensuring a balance between work commitments and the spiritual observance of Ramadhan.