Saudi Arabia Marks Saturday as the First Day of Ramadan 1446H: A Celebrated Announcement

Saudi Arabia Declares Start of Ramadan on March 1, 2025

In a significant religious observance, Saudi Arabia officially announced that Saturday, March 1, 2025, will mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan 1446H. This declaration was made by the Saudi Royal Court and confirmed through successful sightings of the Ramadan crescent at both the Tamir and Hotat Sudair observatories.

Successful Crescent Sighting Despite Initial Cloud Cover

Earlier on Friday evening, February 28, local media reported thick cloud cover at the Tamir Observatory. However, as conditions improved, intermittent clouds cleared sufficiently for the crescent to be sighted successfully, paving the way for the official announcement. Observers noted favorable atmospheric conditions that ultimately facilitated this celestial observation.

Public Invited to Report Crescent Sightings

The Supreme Court had earlier urged the public to observe the Ramadan crescent on Friday evening and report any sightings, whether through telescopes or with the naked eye, to nearby courts or observatories. This call was part of a broader effort to ensure an accurate start date for the holy month.

Global Visibility Confirmed by International Astronomy Center

The UAE-based International Astronomy Center confirmed that the crescent moon was visible in parts of West Asia, Africa, and southern Europe through telescopes. It was also observable with the naked eye in much of the Americas. Given its visibility across various regions within the Islamic world, most countries are expected to observe Saturday as the first day of Ramadan.