CULTURE — February 17, 2026
Saudi Arabia Announces Wednesday as First Day of Ramadan
Saudi Arabia declared Wednesday the first day of Ramadan following the sighting of the crescent moon, while the Taliban in Afghanistan has remained silent on the matter.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — corroborated by Khaama Press — 2 min read

Saudi Arabia announced that Wednesday, 29 Dalo, marks the first day of Ramadan after officials confirmed the crescent moon had been sighted.
Authorities in the kingdom made the declaration, setting the start of the holy month. The Taliban in Afghanistan have not yet issued any statement on the first day of Ramadan.
The announcement comes amid routine annual moon sightings that determine the Islamic lunar calendar across Muslim countries. Different nations often follow varying sightings, with Saudi Arabia's decision influential for many.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Key fact of Saudi Arabia's official announcement on Ramadan start date corroborated by two outlets (Afghanistan International, Khaama Press), with concrete details on moon sighting and date.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by 2 outlets
Afghanistan International
Originating
Khaama Press
Filed under
Culture — Ramadan, Saudi Arabia, Taliban, Afghanistan, Moon Sighting
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