Ramadan 2026 is right around the corner. In fact, there are hardly 30 days until the Holy Month and places across the UAE are gradually starting to pick up the gracious and celebratory mood. From long hours of fasting to delicious Iftar and Suhoor meals, shopping deals and Ramadan markets, there are a lot of incredible things to do around this time.
But if you are searching for the exact starting date of Ramadan and Eid al Fitr 2026 in the UAE, these can be quite closely predicted as the month of Sha’ban has officially begun.
Yes, the month right before Ramadan has begun. The month of Rajab officially ended on 19 January 2026 (Monday). It is the 7th month on the Hijri calendar and is considered extremely sacred. This means that the next month, the month of Sha’ban started on 20 January (Tuesday). Then, is Ramadan falling on 18 February or 19 February? Is Eid al Fitr going to bring us three or four days of holidays this time? Let us understand all that goes behind the calculations and find the most accurate date possible.
When does Ramadan 2026 start in the UAE?
Ramadan is the holiest month for all Muslims across the globe. It is the 9th month in the Hijri calendar and carries a lot of significance. Since Sha’ban has officially started, Ramadan is quite close. Sha’ban kicked off on 20 January 2026 – implying Ramadan 2026 could start either on 18 or 19 February 2026.
The exact date depends on the length of the month of Sha’ban. For example, if Sha’ban is a 29-day month this time, Ramadan 2026 is supposed to start on 18 February. But if Sha’ban extends to be a 30-day month, the holy month is going to begin on 19 February instead. The moon sighting committee is going to confirm the exact date on 17 February (Tuesday). Nonetheless, to celebrate the period, multiple restaurants across the country have already started releasing incredible Iftar and Suhoor deals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates.
Here is a bonus point: if the most closely accurate date of Ramadan 2026 can be predicted, some careful calculations about Eid al Fitr can also be done.
When does Eid al Fitr 2026 begin in the UAE?
The starting date of Ramadan 2026 means a lot for Eid al Fitr, one of the most important public holidays in the UAE. Eid marks the end of Ramadan and the long hours of fasting each day. It is a moment to express gratitude and engage in increased self-discipline, prayer and charity. Multiple restaurants and attractions in the UAE release incredible Eid offers for their guests, letting locals and tourists alike indulge in delicious food and shop like a pro.
If Sha’ban is a 29-day month, Ramadan 2026 is going to start on 18 February. In this case, the starting date of Eid al Fitr is going to be either 19 March (Thursday) or 20 March (Friday). If Eid falls on a Thursday, you can get four days off. The holiday period shortens to three days if Eid falls on a Friday instead. But if Sha’ban is a 30-day month, the holy month is going to start on 19 February – implying Eid is supposed to start on either 20 March (Friday) or 21 March (Saturday). If Ramadan is a 29-day month and begins on 19 February, Eid starts on 20 March. But if Ramadan is a 30-day month and also starts on 19 February, Eid falls on 21 March. In this case, the Eid al Fitr break is of four days as it starts on the 30th day of Ramadan on Friday and ends on 23 March (Monday).
Let’s hope the break is four days and not three, right? Nonetheless, the exact date of Ramadan and Eid al Fitr 2026 are going to be determined by the UAE’s moon sighting committee much closer to the holidays. Even if the aforementioned dates turn out to be a bit off the track, the difference is unlikely to be more than one or 2 days. So, your plans are not likely to be sizeably impacted (fingers crossed).
Ramadan and Eid al Fitr are one of the most beautiful times to visit the UAE. Starting from stunning Ramadan markets for incredible shopping deals to the most indulgent Iftar and Suhoor offers on the table, the holy month brings a lot of surprises for locals and tourists alike. If you are planning a trip to the UAE during this period, let no one convince you to postpone your travel dates. These occasions are also going to get you closer to the UAE’s culture and traditions, helping you understand the country from a much different perspective. Plus, you might also get an invitation to attend a local’s Iftar party. Doesn’t it sound so appealing?
