The anticipation for one of the most sacred times of the year is underway. In just 100 days, the UAE will embrace the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is characterized by fasting from dawn to sunset, spiritual contemplation, and charitable deeds. As with all Hijri months, its beginning is only confirmed upon sighting the crescent moon.
This year, astronomical forecasts indicate Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the probable start of Ramadan.
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The conclusion of this sacred month will also bring the UAE’s first long 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 month’s eve by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee. Nonetheless, astronomers can predict the start and end of Islamic months with reasonable accuracy through calculations.
Khadijah Ahmad, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, anticipates the holy month 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 explained to Khaleej Times. “However, this is unlikely as spotting the Moon on February 17 will be challenging. The crescent will be more visible on the evening of February 18, suggesting the holy month starts on February 19.”
How long will Ramadan last?
As with all months in the Hijri calendar, Ramadan can be either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted. The latest calendar from Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department indicates a 29-day month this year.
“March 19 is the optimal evening to sight the moon for Eid. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr is expected on Friday, March 20,” stated Khadijah.
The UAE’s first long weekend of 2026
Ramadan’s end will present the year’s first extended weekend. The UAE allocates the first three days of Shawwal — the month succeeding Ramadan — as public holidays for Eid Al Fitr.
If Ramadan spans 29 days, the holiday will be from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22 (Shawwal 1–3) — giving those with a Saturday–Sunday weekend three days off.
If the month extends to 30 days, an additional day would be included, resulting in a four-day weekend with Ramadan 30 (Thursday, March 19). However, current astronomical predictions suggest a 29-day Ramadan, translating to a three-day weekend (March 20–22).
Can the holiday be ‘transferred’?
The UAE has provisions to ‘transfer’ certain public holidays to extend breaks, but this does not apply to Eid holidays.
Fasting hours: Shorter and easier this year
Ramadan 2026 falls in cooler months, leading to shorter fasting hours than last year.
The first fast will last 12 hours and 46 minutes, compared to 13 hours and 16 minutes on the first day of Ramadan this year.
By the month’s end, fasting hours will slightly extend to 13 hours and 26 minutes — still shorter than the nearly 14-hour days observed in 2025.
Experiencing Ramadan in the UAE
Throughout the Emirates, Ramadan alters daily life. Workplaces and schools reduce hours, and a serene rhythm prevails. At sunset, the call to prayer fills the air 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.
