The anticipation for one of the most spiritual periods of the year is underway. In 100 days, the UAE will embrace the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, involves fasting from sunrise to sunset, spiritual introspection, and charitable deeds. Each Hijri month begins only after the crescent moon is observed.
This year, astronomical predictions indicate Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the probable start of Ramadan.
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The conclusion of the holy month will also usher in the UAE’s first extended weekend of the year, as residents celebrate Eid Al Fitr — the Islamic festival marking the end of fasting. The nation allocates three public holidays for this celebration.
When does Ramadan 2026 begin?
The official declaration is made on the eve of the month by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee. However, astronomers can predict the start and end of Islamic months with reasonable accuracy through calculations.
Khadijah Ahmad, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, notes that the holy month is expected to commence on February 19.
“If the UAE observes the Ramadan Moon on the evening of February 17, then Ramadan 1 will be on February 18,” she told Khaleej Times. “However, it is unlikely since the Moon will be challenging to see on February 17. The crescent will be easily visible on February 18, setting the start date of Ramadan on February 19.”
How long will Ramadan last?
As with all Hijri calendar months, Ramadan may last 29 or 30 days, depending on the crescent moon sighting. The latest calendar from Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department suggests a 29-day month this time.
“March 19 is the ideal evening to sight the moon for Eid. Hence, Eid Al Fitr is anticipated to occur on Friday, March 20,” said Khadijah.
The UAE’s first long weekend of 2026
The end of Ramadan will bring the first long weekend of the year. The UAE designates the first three days of Shawwal — the month following Ramadan — as public holidays for Eid Al Fitr.
If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the holiday will be from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22 (Shawwal 1–3), granting those with a Saturday–Sunday weekend three days off.
Should the month extend to 30 days, an additional day would be added, resulting in a four-day weekend including Ramadan 30 (Thursday, March 19). However, current astronomical predictions suggest a 29-day Ramadan, leading to a three-day weekend (March 20–22).
Can the holiday be ‘transferred’?
The UAE does have provisions to ‘transfer’ certain public holidays to create longer breaks, but this does not apply to Eid holidays.
Fasting hours: Shorter and easier this year
Ramadan 2026 falls during cooler months, resulting in shorter fasting hours than the previous year.
The first fast will last 12 hours and 46 minutes, compared to 13 hours and 16 minutes on Ramadan 1 this year.
By month’s end, fasting hours will extend slightly to 13 hours and 26 minutes — still shorter than the nearly 14-hour days observed in 2025.
What Ramadan feels like in the UAE
Throughout the Emirates, Ramadan changes daily life. Workplaces and schools reduce hours, and a serene rhythm prevails. At sunset, the call to prayer resonates as families and friends gather to break their fast with dates.
After evening prayers, mosques remain open late, hosting Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Layl congregations.
