Maghrib Prayer Times Guide Ramadan Iftar Across Saudi Arabia And Egypt

As the sun dipped below the horizon on February 19, 2026, millions of Muslims across Saudi Arabia and Egypt turned their eyes to the clock, eagerly awaiting the Maghrib prayer. It was the second day of Ramadan 1447 AH, and the precise timing of Maghrib—marking the end of the day’s fast and the beginning of Iftar—was at the forefront of daily life. In both countries, the search for the exact moment to break the fast was a unifying ritual, yet the answer depended heavily on geography and local custom. According to Twasl News, the variation in Maghrib prayer times across Saudi Arabia and Egypt is a direct result of their vast geographical spread. Saudi Arabia, stretching from the Red Sea in the west to the Arabian Gulf in the east, sees significant time differences between its cities when it comes to sunset. Egypt, too, with its sprawling governorates from Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast to Aswan in the far south, experiences similar variations. In Saudi Arabia, prayer times are determined by the Umm al-Qura calendar, a system officially sanctioned by the government and widely trusted for its accuracy. On this particular Thursday, Maghrib prayer times were as follows: Mecca at 6:21 PM, Medina at 6:19 PM, Riyadh at 5:51 PM, Dammam at 5:35 PM, Hail at 6:08 PM, Abha at 6:13 PM, Tabuk at 6:27 PM, Al-Baha at 6:16 PM, Buraidah at 6:00 PM, Jazan at 6:14 PM, and Sakaka at 6:11 PM. These differences, sometimes spanning nearly an hour, highlight the importance of adhering to local timings. As authorities in the Kingdom emphasized, "It is essential to follow the local time for Maghrib in each city, especially during Ramadan, because the moment of Iftar is directly tied to the precise time of sunset." The commitment to accuracy is more than a matter of tradition; it is a matter of faith. During Ramadan, the act of breaking the fast at the exact moment of sunset is considered a religious obligation. In a country as large as Saudi Arabia, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. The official stance, as reported by Twasl News, is clear: "Authorities stress the importance of adhering to the local time for Maghrib prayer and Iftar during Ramadan due to geographic time differences." This guidance is repeated in mosques, community centers, and even on television and radio broadcasts throughout the holy month. Over in Egypt, the story is much the same, though the system for determining prayer times differs. Here, the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics provides daily prayer schedules for each governorate, taking into account the subtle but significant shifts in sunrise and sunset across the country. On February 19, 2026, the Maghrib prayer was scheduled for 5:47 PM in Cairo, 5:51 PM in Alexandria, 5:46 PM in Aswan, 6:01 PM in Matrouh, 5:39 PM in Hurghada, and 5:37 PM in Sharm El-Sheikh. These times were published widely in newspapers, broadcast on radio, and shared via mobile apps, ensuring that every fasting person could break their fast at the correct moment. Egyptian authorities, much like their Saudi counterparts, emphasized the importance of local accuracy. "Authorities stressed following official local timings in each governorate to ensure proper prayer and Iftar times during Ramadan," reported Twasl News. Even a few minutes’ difference can matter greatly, especially in a month where spiritual discipline is paramount. The precision with which these times are calculated—and the diligence with which they are observed—reflects the deep reverence with which Ramadan is treated in both societies. For many families, the daily search for Maghrib time is as much a part of Ramadan as the Iftar meal itself. In both countries, the anticipation builds as the hour approaches. Radios are turned up, mobile notifications ping, and television anchors announce the moment with ceremonial gravity. In some neighborhoods, the call to prayer echoes from mosques, signaling that the wait is over. It’s a moment of collective relief and joy, often accompanied by the traditional breaking of the fast with dates and water before the evening meal begins in earnest. The local nature of these timings also fosters a sense of connection to one’s immediate community. In Mecca, for example, the Maghrib call at 6:21 PM feels different than in Riyadh, where the sun sets nearly half an hour earlier. In Alexandria, the salty Mediterranean breeze might accompany the call at 5:51 PM, while in Aswan, the desert air cools just as the faithful prepare to eat at 5:46 PM. These subtle differences remind everyone that, while united in purpose, each community experiences Ramadan in its own unique rhythm. What’s fascinating is how technology and tradition intersect in this daily ritual. While many still rely on printed calendars or mosque announcements, a growing number of people turn to smartphone applications that use GPS to pinpoint the exact time of sunset wherever they happen to be. This blend of ancient observance and modern convenience ensures that, no matter where you are—on a business trip in Tabuk or visiting relatives in Hurghada—you can observe Maghrib and Iftar at the right time. Yet, the importance of accuracy is not just about personal piety. It also helps maintain social harmony. As Twasl News pointed out, "Authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to local timings for Maghrib prayer and Iftar during Ramadan due to geographic time differences." When everyone in a city breaks their fast together, it strengthens the bonds of community and reinforces the sense of shared experience that defines Ramadan. In both Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the second day of Ramadan 1447 AH was marked by this careful attention to detail. From the Red Sea to the Nile Delta, the faithful watched the clock, listened for the call, and gathered with family and friends to break their fast at precisely the right moment. It’s a tradition that, despite the passage of centuries and the advent of new technologies, remains as meaningful and unifying as ever. As Ramadan continues, Muslims in both countries—and around the world—will keep searching for the exact moment of Maghrib, trusting in the calendars, the scientists, and the wisdom of their communities. For many, it’s not just about marking the end of a day’s fast; it’s about honoring a tradition that connects them to something greater than themselves.