Particle.news

Ramadan 2026 Begins With Staggered Start Dates as Workplaces and Sports Adjust

Staggered moon sightings produced differing start dates, with employers alongside leagues outlining accommodations for fasting.

Overview

  • Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states reported the crescent on Feb. 17, starting fasting a day before countries such as Egypt, Turkey and Jordan that began later.
  • Observance runs from mid‑February to around March 19–20, with Laylat al‑Qadr noted in late Ramadan and Eid al‑Fitr marking the close depending on local moon sighting.
  • Spain’s Law 26/1992 framework allows requests such as a Friday midday break and finishing about an hour before sunset during Ramadan, subject to company agreement and later time recovery.
  • English football continues brief in‑game ‘Ramadan breaks’ for sunset, while Spanish clubs use tailored nutrition, hydration and training plans, including Barcelona’s program for Lamine Yamal.
  • In Manlleu (Osona), the Muslim community began the month in mourning after five local youths died in a storage‑room fire, with prayers and condolences offered for the victims.