Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Dates, Fasting Times and What to Expect

Christmas 2025 is already a past affair and you have also rang in 2026. Did you see the rush coming? Tens of thousands of people flocked to the UAE to celebrate. From sumptuous meals to refreshing drinks and blockbuster nightlife, this Middle Eastern country is leaving the traditional champions like France and Spain behind. But please don’t think that the best time to explore the UAE is gone? The Emirates is a year-round paradise and no month is going to disappoint you. The same goes for the upcoming Ramadan 2026 in UAE.

One of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a beautiful period for both residents and tourists in the UAE. Ramadan is marked by peaceful self-reflection and long hours of fasting, among other things. This means that if you are coming to the UAE during this special time, you can join in the community spirit. Isn’t it incredible?

From delicious Suhoor and Iftar meals to traditional celebrations and alluring discounts and promotions at different shopping malls, Ramadan 2026 is going to be a pleasant time to visit the UAE. You are not going to find the sun that harsh. Tourist numbers are also not going to be too high and, don’t forget, Global Village Dubai (staying open throughout the Ramadan month). Bring your kids and furry friends along and check into one of the many hotels in the UAE offering fun experiences and endless possibilities.

When does Ramadan 2026 begin and end in UAE?

The count has officially begun. Ramadan 2026 in UAE is less than 50 days from today. If some specialised astronomical calculations are to be done, the holy month is starting 18 February 2026. But, of course, the traditional moon sighting needs to be done closer to the occasion. Ramadan is not just a month of fasting for Muslims across the globe; it is a period of absolute self-reflection and solidarity. Is it necessary for tourists to fast during Ramadan in the UAE? That is a valid question and is going to be addressed soon.

Why Ramadan 2026 dates can change?

Looking for the exact dates of Ramadan 2026 in UAE? It is too soon to tell, to be honest. Specialised astronomical calculations suggest the holy month is starting 18 February. But one needs to rely on the traditional moon sighting process too. Be it for Ramadan 2026 or the Eid al Fitr occassion later to mark the end of the holy month, religious authorities and astronomical observatories are going to collaborate again to land at the most accurate date.

Does this mean that you cannot plan your trip to the UAE just yet? Not at all. You can definitely rely on the tentative dates to plan your trip, get your visa application sorted, and book flights plus hotels as early bookings mean great discounts on most occasions. The exact dates shall be announced closer to the actual occasion.

Ramadan 2026 fasting hours in UAE

For Ramadan 2026, fasting hours in the UAE are from Fajr (before sunrise) to Maghrib (at sunset). The specific timings depend on your location but generally last approximately 13-16 hours. The fasting hours are expected to increase as the days lengthen. You can find more details on the same as the holy month nears.

But since Ramadan is also considered as the month of fasting, a couple of terms gain a lot of popularity among residents and tourists alike. That’s suhoor and iftar – meals that mark the beginning and the end of the fasting period. For tourists in the UAE, be it in Dubai or Ras al Khaimah, each place offers a lot of suhoor and iftar possibilities. Suhoor is the one before sunrise or before the Fajr call to prayer. On the other hand, iftar is the post-sunset meal, consisting of a number of incredible dishes and dates, of course.

If you ask us about some of the most popular suhoor and iftar meals in the UAE, let us start from laban (a homemade yoghurt drink), biriyani, machboos (a rice dish accompanied by meat or seafood), saloona, samosas, fresh salads, fruits and desserts like firni (a local custard). Food and the UAE go hand-in-hand, so it is not surprising if a person plans their Emirati trip around cuisines and cooking techniques.

Work, school and public life adjustments

Ramadan brings major changes to work, school and public life in the UAE. This is done to better accommodate the needs of those fasting, putting a greater focus on community life. Working hours are reduced across both public and private settings. School hours are also adjusted for a month to support fasting students and staff. Some schools also close early on Fridays for prayers. Ramadan and spring school breaks are also likely to coincide, leading to more breaks for the little champs.

Tourists in the UAE definitely need to keep an idea about public life adjustments during Ramadan. The traditions and etiquette are going to be discussed later in the article. But in essence, a respectful and quieter atmosphere is seen at different public places. Places turn livelier after sunset at iftar. You can expect extended evening hours at malls and supermarkets. Be gentle on your trip and choose modesty in all places.

Eid al Fitr 2026: Dates and Public Holidays in UAE

The next big public holiday in the UAE is right around the corner. That is Eid al Fitr 2026, marking the end of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan. If some careful mathematical calculations are done, Eid al Fitr is falling on 20 March 2026. But the exact date can be ascertained only after moon sightings. The public holidays in UAE list do not change much each year. Therefore, some predictions can be made to find the most anticipated dates of the upcoming public holidays.

Read More: UAE Public Holidays 2026: Confirmed & Predicted Dates

Ramadan traditions and etiquettes in UAE

Ramadan is an extremely important period for all Muslims across the globe. For people in the UAE, this holy month is of a lot of significance, featuring suhoor, fasting, iftar, cultural celebrations, community spirit and a lot of joy. Some tourists love to visit the UAE during Ramadan as they get to see the Emirati heritage in a much more prominent light.

Do not think that Ramadan means nothing much to experience as a tourist. The month brings a lot of offers and promotions at different malls and souks, plenty of good food and just an amazing ambiance all around. Different places extend their evening hours and mornings just feel lighter and brighter. But there are some significant Ramadan traditions and etiquette to keep in mind if you are visiting the UAE during this time. If you have been to the Emirates during Ramadan, these rules are nothing out of the ordinary, just to brush up your memories.

1. Learn about local culture in UAE

Ramadan is a beautiful time to understand the UAE’s historic traditions and customs better. This is an experience all tourists should indulge in at least once in their lifetime. You can take a trip to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, for example, to learn more about the Emirati culture and history from its Emirati hosts. It is going to be quite an enlightening experience, something to remember for a long, long time.

2. Dress appropriately

Try to be quite considerate and respectful during Ramadan. It is recommended to cover your shoulders and knees in loose-fitting clothing. You can also take a trip to the souks in different cities of the UAE to pick up some traditional attire, including embroidered abayas.

3. Take part in an iftar

Definitely, do that. Evenings get incredibly livelier during Ramadan. Iftar is the meal to break the daily fast, so it is often meticulously prepared. The majority of restaurants in the UAE are going to soon release incredible Ramadan menus and iftar meal suggestions. You can check out our page for the latest updates or ask your hotel concierge for their recommendations.

4. Share a Ramadan greeting

There are some seasonal salutations: Ramadan Kareem and Ramadan Mubarak. It is recommended to use these greetings in the UAE. If an Emirati has invited you for an iftar meal at their home, you can definitely accept the offer and visit the place for a truly memorable experience. The community spirit runs high at these places and the traditional Emirati hospitality can also be experienced more fully. You can bring a box of dates or a local oud perfume as a small gift for your graceful hosts.

Travel to the UAE during Ramadan 2026. Your memory is going to be full of authentic experiences and highlights of the traditional side of the UAE. From suhoor and iftar meals to Friday prayers and great discounts at malls and souks, Ramadan 2026 in the UAE should be at the top of your bucket lists this time. Make sure to bring a good camera along and capture all the right memories. But since the period is extremely holy for all the ones celebrating, ensure a respectful and quieter atmosphere at all times. Join in the community spirit and be part of celebrations that are sure to leave a lasting memory.

Read More: Ramadan in Dubai: Heritage Express presents Emirati Cultural Iftar Experience

Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Frequently asked questions