Ramadan 2026 in Oman: Start date confirmed, working hours announced
The ministry encouraged private establishments to adopt modern working methods, including flexible schedules and remote work where feasible
13 February, 2026
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The Sultanate of Oman has officially confirmed that the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following an announcement from the Main Committee for Moon Sighting.
The decision comes after astronomical evidence established that sighting the crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17, would be impossible across all governorates of the country.
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According to an Oman News Agency report, the Committee said that “based on confirmed astronomical evidence indicating that the moon will set on Tuesday, the Sha’ban 29, 1447 AH, corresponding to February 17, 2026, before or at sunset in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, the sighting of the crescent moon on this day is astronomically impossible.”
Crescent sighting ruled out
The committee emphasised its adherence to established principles, stating it does not accept reports that contradict observable reality and scientific certainty when astronomical data confirms impossibility.
“In accordance with the established principle of not accepting reports that contradict observable reality and scientific certainty when astronomical facts confirm the impossibility of sighting, it announced the following,” the report said.
As a result, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will complete the month of Sha’ban 1447 AH, and Thursday, February 19, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan.
Shortened working hours announced
Ahead of the holy month, the Ministry of Labour formally issued the official working schedule for Ramadan on February 10, covering both civil units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus and private sector establishments.
For civil units, official working hours will be five consecutive hours daily, from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
Unit heads are authorised to introduce flexible working arrangements within a window from 7 am to 3 pm, with hours calculated from arrival to departure. Remote work may also be implemented where duties permit, provided at least 50 per cent of staff remain physically present.
In the private sector, Muslim employees will work a maximum of six hours per day, not exceeding thirty hours per week. The ministry encouraged private establishments to adopt modern working methods, including flexible schedules and remote work where feasible, to enhance productivity while respecting the spiritual character of Ramadan.


















