Residents in Dubai are already preparing for the arrival of Ramadan 2026, the month that holds a special place in the lives of Muslims worldwide. Astronomical forecasts indicate that the holy month is expected to begin on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, though the final confirmation will rest with the UAE’s official moon-sighting committee.
As always, the crescent moon will be observed on the 29th day of Sha’ban to confirm the exact start of the month. Each country will make its announcement separately, but most of the Arab world is expected to begin fasting on or around the same date.
Why does the date shift each year?
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, which is around 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This means Ramadan does not fall on the same dates annually but shifts earlier each year. Over 33 years, the holy month passes through all four seasons.
For those living in Dubai, this cycle shapes everything from fasting hours to the way residents experience Ramadan—sometimes in cooler months and, at other times, in the height of summer. In 2026, the fasting period will fall during February and March, when the UAE enjoys relatively mild weather, making the experience distinct compared to years when Ramadan coincides with summer.
A month of reflection and community
In the UAE, Ramadan is not only a time for prayer and reflection but also for togetherness. Families gather for iftar, communities unite in mosques, and volunteers lead charitable initiatives across Dubai and beyond. The holy month encourages acts of kindness, generosity, and maintaining strong family ties.
Traditions such as Haq al-Laila, which takes place in mid-Sha’ban, mark the anticipation of Ramadan. Children dress in traditional attire and go door-to-door collecting sweets and nuts, symbolising the spirit of giving that carries through the holy month.
When to expect Eid al-Fitr 2026
If Ramadan begins on 17 February, residents can expect Eid al-Fitr to fall around 19 or 20 March 2026. Authorities will confirm the holiday only after sighting the crescent for Shawwal, but they expect it to bring a multi-day public holiday across the UAE.
For residents in Dubai, this period often means extended family gatherings, community events, and a busy travel season as many take the opportunity for a short break. Hotels, malls, and entertainment venues also prepare special offers and programmes to mark the end of the fasting month.
How residents can prepare
With just under six months until Ramadan 2026, many in Dubai are already planning:
- Work schedules: Companies typically adjust timings during Ramadan, with shorter working hours for both the public and private sectors.
- Schools: Academic calendars also adapt, with reduced hours ensuring students can observe the fast more comfortably.
- Community life: Mosques and community centres across Dubai prepare additional prayer spaces and activities, making it a time of heightened spiritual and social connection.
- Daily routines: Residents often plan grocery shopping, charitable donations, and family visits to manage the month smoothly.
During Ramadan, people across the UAE transform their daily lives. Residents illuminate Dubai’s streets and landmarks with traditional decorations, families unite at sunset to share iftar, and the city slows its pace to embrace a rhythm that’s rich with meaning.
While astronomical calculations point to 17 February as the expected start date, the official announcement will come from the UAE’s Moon-Sighting Committee closer to the time. Until then, residents can prepare for a month that blends spirituality, tradition, and a strong sense of community.
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For more updates on Ramadan 2026, upcoming public holidays, and the latest community news in Dubai and the UAE, follow Social Kandura.
