Ramadan 2026 Prayer Times Announced Across Egypt And Saudi Arabia

As the sun begins its slow descent on February 19, 2026, millions across Egypt and Saudi Arabia prepare for a moment that’s been anticipated all day: the Maghrib Adhan, signaling the end of the first day’s fast in Ramadan 1447 Hijri. It’s a time marked by both spiritual reflection and joyous anticipation, and this year, as in every year, the exact minute of sunset matters deeply, with official times carefully calculated and widely disseminated to ensure accuracy and unity in observance. According to the Egyptian General Authority for Survey, the Maghrib Adhan in Cairo on Thursday, February 19, 2026, will ring out at precisely 5:47 PM, marking the official moment when fasting Muslims may break their fast. In Luxor, the call to prayer will be heard at 5:45 PM, while in the Red Sea Governorate, residents will be listening for the Adhan at 5:39 PM (al-Masry al-Youm, elWatan News). The meticulous attention to these times is rooted not only in religious tradition but also in the practicalities of day-to-day life during Ramadan. As BESRAHA reports, “the first day of Ramadan 2026 is the shortest in terms of fasting hours, with a duration of 13 hours and 2 minutes in Cairo.” The fasting period will gradually lengthen as the month progresses, culminating in 13 hours and 17 minutes by February 28, 2026. For many, the day begins well before dawn. On this first day, Suhur—the pre-dawn meal—is recommended to be finished by 2:44 AM in Cairo, with Imsak (the time to stop eating) at 4:44 AM. The Fajr Adhan, marking the start of the fast, is at 5:04 AM. Sunrise follows at 6:31 AM, Dhuhr at 12:09 PM, Asr at 3:21 PM, and Isha at 7:04 PM, rounding out the day’s prayer schedule (al-Masry al-Youm, BESRAHA). But what about the rest of Egypt? Across the nation, local times for Maghrib Adhan vary by a few minutes, reflecting Egypt’s wide geography. In Alexandria, the call is at 5:51 PM, in Aswan at 5:46 PM, in Matrouh at 6:01 PM, in Hurghada at 5:39 PM, and in Sharm El-Sheikh at 5:37 PM. These differences, though small, are significant for those awaiting the precise moment to break their fast, and authorities urge citizens to rely on the official published times for their specific region (Twasl News, BESRAHA). The importance of accuracy is echoed in the guidance from both religious and governmental bodies. As Twasl News notes, “authorities emphasize observing local official times due to geographic time differences.” This is especially important in Ramadan, where the unity of the community is felt most keenly at the moment of Iftar, the breaking of the fast. The tradition is further enriched by the recommendation to hasten the Iftar upon hearing the Adhan, following the words of the Prophet: “People will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.” Many also recite traditional prayers at this moment, such as, “Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills,” and “O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy which encompasses all things, to forgive me” (al-Masry al-Youm). In neighboring Saudi Arabia, the story is much the same, though the times differ with the setting sun’s path. On the second day of Ramadan, Friday, February 20, 2026, Maghrib Adhan times vary widely across the Kingdom’s vast landscape. In Mecca, the call to prayer is at 6:21 PM; in Medina, at 6:19 PM; in Riyadh, at 5:51 PM; in Dammam, at 5:35 PM; and in Tabuk, at 6:27 PM. Other cities such as Abha, Hail, Al Bahah, Buraidah, Jazan, and Sakaka each have their own times, ranging between 6:00 PM and 6:16 PM (Twasl News, BESRAHA). This diversity in timing is a direct result of the countries’ geographic breadth. The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Egyptian General Authority for Survey both stress the need for each city to observe its own local time, ensuring that the act of breaking the fast is synchronized with the actual sunset in each location. As Twasl News puts it, “authorities emphasize the importance of adherence to the local official times for prayer and Iftar during Ramadan.” For those in Egypt, the Ramadan timetable is a familiar companion throughout the holy month. From February 19 to March 19, 2026, the Maghrib Adhan in Cairo will gradually shift from 5:47 PM to 6:06 PM, mirroring the lengthening days as winter gives way to spring. Each day, the fasting period grows by a minute or two, a rhythm that is both predictable and deeply felt by families as they gather for Iftar night after night (al-Masry al-Youm). In the Red Sea Governorate, the scene is just as poignant. Residents there closely monitor the official schedule, waiting for the 5:39 PM Adhan to mark the end of their day’s fast. As elWatan News observes, “the Adhan time is closely followed by residents for timely Iftar and prayer.” These moments of shared anticipation and relief are what define the Ramadan experience for so many. The precise calculation of prayer times, the communal breaking of the fast, and the spiritual unity that comes from observing these rituals together—these are the hallmarks of the holy month. Each minute matters, not just for the sake of accuracy, but for the deep sense of connection it brings to communities spread across cities, deserts, and coastlines. With every passing day, the hours of fasting grow a little longer, but so too does the sense of accomplishment and spiritual renewal. Ramadan, after all, is more than just a test of endurance; it is a celebration of faith, family, and the rhythms that bind communities together, minute by minute, sunset by sunset.