The countdown to one of the most spiritual periods of the Islamic year has officially begun. In just 100 days, the UAE will welcome the holy month of Ramadan — a time for fasting, reflection, and community spirit.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, astronomical calculations suggest that Ramadan 2026 will likely commence on Thursday, February 19, pending official confirmation from the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee.
According to Khadijah Ahmad, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, the new crescent will be difficult to sight on the evening of February 17. “If the UAE sees the Ramadan Moon on the evening of February 17, then Ramadan 1 will be on February 18.
But this is unlikely,” she said. “The crescent will be easy to sight on February 18, which puts the start date on February 19.”
Like all Hijri months, Ramadan can last either 29 or 30 days depending on the moon’s visibility. The Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has forecast a 29-day Ramadan, making Friday, March 20, the expected date for Eid Al Fitr — the festival marking the end of fasting.
The UAE government designates the first three days of Shawwal (the month following Ramadan) as public holidays. This means residents are likely to enjoy a three-day long weekend from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22. If the month extends to 30 days, the break could stretch to four days, including Thursday, March 19.
Ramadan 2026 also brings shorter fasting hours, as the holy month falls during the cooler winter season. The first day’s fast will last about 12 hours and 46 minutes, compared to over 13 hours in 2025.
By the final week, fasting will increase slightly to 13 hours and 26 minutes — still shorter than the nearly 14-hour days observed last year.
During Ramadan, life in the UAE takes on a unique rhythm. Work and school hours are reduced, and the atmosphere across the Emirates becomes serene and reflective. As the sun sets, the call to prayer signals Iftar, when families and friends gather to break their fasts with dates and traditional dishes.
Mosques remain active late into the night, hosting Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Layl prayers that bring communities together. For residents and visitors alike, it’s a time that captures the UAE’s deep respect for faith, culture, and compassion.
As anticipation builds, the UAE prepares once again to embrace the spirit of Ramadan — a season of unity, generosity, and devotion.