The UAE has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan 1447 will begin tomorrow, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon. The Moon‑sighting committee, which met after Maghrib this evening, said the first day of fasting will fall on Thursday, 19 February 2026, aligning with earlier astronomical forecasts that pointed to a mid‑February start.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, recitation of the Quran and acts of charity. In the UAE, the announcement triggers wide‑ranging adjustments to working hours, school schedules and social life, as public and private institutions move to Ramadan timings.
Authorities have reiterated that while astronomical calculations help forecast likely dates, the official start of Ramadan is always determined by the visual sighting of the new crescent, in line with Islamic tradition.
Fasting hours and climate in Ramadan 2026
Ramadan 2026 falls in late winter, bringing relatively mild temperatures and moderate fasting hours compared with summer months. At the beginning of the month, residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai can expect to fast for just under 13 hours, with the gap between Suhoor (pre‑dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast) lengthening slightly towards the end of the month.
Forecasts suggest:
- Early Ramadan fasting hours of roughly 12 hours 45 minutes to 13 hours.
- Late‑Ramadan fasting hours are approaching about 13 hours 30 minutes as days get marginally longer.
Weather models point to morning temperatures in the mid‑teens and daytime highs in the upper 20s to low 30s Celsius, giving residents comparatively comfortable conditions for daytime fasting and evening prayers.
UAE Ramadan 2026 – indicative prayer timetable
Official daily prayer times are issued by the UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs and respective emirate‑level Islamic affairs departments. Based on their published calendars and regional forecasts, residents can expect the following approximate Fajr (start of fast) and Maghrib (Iftar) times in the early, middle and final phases of Ramadan 2026.
Note: Timings below are indicative for major cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Worshippers should always follow the official prayer timetable issued for their emirate or local mosque.
Key Ramadan 2026 dates and sample timings (UAE)
Hijri dates are based on current astronomical projections and will be confirmed through moon‑sighting at the start and end of the month.
Throughout the month, exact daily times for Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha will shift by a few minutes each day; residents typically consult printed Ramadan calendars, mosque noticeboards, official apps and newspapers for precise schedules.
Changes to daily life and working hours
With the start of Ramadan, government entities and most private‑sector firms will switch to reduced working hours, generally cutting the working day by two hours for Muslim employees, with many organisations extending the same schedule to all staff. Schools will operate shorter days, with classes finishing earlier to accommodate fasting students and staff.
Restaurants will adjust opening hours, with many focusing on Iftar and Suhoor services, while malls and public venues often stay open later into the night. Charities, government bodies and volunteers will organise free Iftar tents and food distributions across all emirates, reflecting the UAE’s emphasis on generosity and community spirit during Ramadan.
Authorities also remind residents and visitors to respect public etiquette during the holy month, including dressing modestly and observing local rules around eating and drinking in public during fasting hours.
Spiritual preparations and community focus
Mosques across the UAE are preparing for increased attendance at Taraweeh prayers after Isha and at Qiyam‑ul‑Layl (late‑night prayers) in the last ten days of the month. Many families use Ramadan to deepen their spiritual routines, organise daily Quran recitations and increase giving through Zakat and other charitable initiatives.
With Ramadan now officially beginning tomorrow, communities are making final preparations from stocking Suhoor essentials to planning Iftars with relatives and neighbours as the country enters a month that blends reflection, worship and togetherness at the heart of UAE society.