Ramadan Start Date 2026: Complete UAE Guide to Dates, Moon Sighting, Timings, and What to Expect
Every year, millions of people across the UAE search for one essential question: what is the Ramadan start date?
In 2026, this question carries even more importance because Ramadan will fall earlier in the year, directly affecting work schedules, school calendars, travel plans, business operations, and daily routines.
Ramadan is not fixed on the Gregorian calendar. Its start depends on the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar and the official moon sighting, which often creates uncertainty until just days before the holy month begins. This guide removes that confusion by presenting the most accurate predictions, the official UAE process, and everything residents and visitors need to know—in one authoritative resource.
This article is designed to be the best and most complete answer on the web for anyone searching for the Ramadan start date in 2026, particularly in the UAE.
Ramadan Start Date 2026 in the UAE (Expected)
Based on astronomical calculations released by UAE-based astronomy bodies and regional Islamic authorities, Ramadan 2026 in the UAE is expected to begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
However, it is critical to understand that this date remains tentative until confirmed by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, which meets on the evening of Sha’ban 29, 1447 AH.
Expected Timeline at a Glance (UAE)
Ramadan is expected to:
- Begin: Evening of Wednesday, 18 February 2026
- First fast: Thursday, 19 February 2026
- End: Evening of Thursday, 19 March 2026 (if 29 days)
- Eid al-Fitr: Friday, 20 March or Saturday, 21 March 2026 (depending on moon sighting)
These dates align closely with forecasts from the Emirates Astronomy Society and the International Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences in the UAE.
Recommended: Ramadan in Dubai
Why the Ramadan Start Date Changes Every Year
Ramadan follows the Hijri (Islamic) lunar calendar, which is approximately 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Each Islamic month begins with the physical sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal).
Because of this:
- Ramadan shifts earlier each year
- It may begin on different dates in different countries
- Final confirmation happens only after moon sighting
In the UAE, astronomical calculations are used for prediction, but visual moon sighting remains the legal and religious standard.
How the Ramadan Start Date Is Officially Confirmed in the UAE
The UAE follows a centralized and highly trusted process.
On the evening of Sha’ban 29:
- The UAE Moon-Sighting Committee convenes
- Astronomers, Islamic scholars, and judicial authorities participate
- Moon sightings are verified across multiple locations
- An official announcement is issued nationwide
Until this announcement is made, all dates remain expected, not confirmed.
This process ensures religious accuracy, unity, and legal consistency across the country.
Key Ramadan 2026 Dates and Religious Milestones
Within Ramadan, several dates hold deep spiritual importance.
The last ten nights, expected to begin around 11 March 2026, are considered the most sacred period of the month.
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power) is expected to fall around 16–17 March 2026, most likely on the 27th night. Worship on this night is believed to be equivalent to more than 1,000 months.
Ramadan is expected to conclude around 19 March 2026, followed immediately by Eid al-Fitr, subject to moon sighting.
Fasting Duration and Daily Timings in the UAE
Because Ramadan 2026 falls in late winter and early spring, fasting hours in the UAE will be moderate compared to summer Ramadans.
Expected fasting duration:
- Approximately 13 to 14 hours per day
- Suhoor (pre-dawn meal): around 5:00–5:30 AM
- Iftar (breaking fast): around 6:00–6:20 PM
Cooler temperatures—ranging roughly from 16°C to 32°C—make fasting more manageable than peak summer months.
What Changes During Ramadan in the UAE
Ramadan significantly influences daily life across the country, regardless of religion.
Working hours in both the public and private sectors are reduced, in line with UAE labor regulations. Schools often implement shortened schedules, and many adopt hybrid or remote learning days.
Restaurants remain operational, but public eating, drinking, or smoking during fasting hours is restricted out of respect for those observing the fast. Many venues operate behind partitions or offer takeaway services.
At sunset, the traditional Ramadan cannon signals iftar time across multiple locations in the UAE, a cultural practice deeply rooted in Emirati heritage.
Common Questions and Practical Clarifications
Many people misunderstand Ramadan dates due to conflicting online sources. The most common issue is assuming that astronomical predictions are final. They are not.
Another frequent concern is whether Ramadan starts on the same day across all Gulf countries. While often aligned, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other GCC states may occasionally differ by one day due to local moon sightings.
Planning travel, exams, or business events should always factor in a one-day flexibility window around the expected start and end dates.
Expert Tips for Planning Around Ramadan 2026
If you are a resident, employer, student, or business owner, early preparation is essential.
Monitor official announcements from UAE authorities during mid-February 2026. Avoid relying solely on social media or unofficial calendars.
Businesses should prepare for adjusted operating hours, increased evening activity, and shifts in consumer behavior. Visitors should plan meals, tours, and transportation around fasting schedules and evening peak hours.
Understanding Ramadan is not only practical—it reflects cultural awareness and respect.
Key Benefits of Knowing the Ramadan Start Date Early
Knowing the expected Ramadan start date allows individuals and organizations to:
- Plan work schedules and leave
- Adjust travel and accommodation
- Prepare spiritually and physically
- Align school calendars and exams
- Optimize business operations and marketing timelines
Early awareness reduces disruption and enables smoother transitions into the holy month.
FAQs
When does Ramadan start in 2026 in the UAE?
Ramadan 2026 is expected to start on Thursday, 19 February, subject to official moon sighting.
Why is the Ramadan start date not fixed?
Because it depends on the lunar calendar and physical moon sighting, which varies annually.
Who confirms Ramadan in the UAE?
The UAE Moon-Sighting Committee officially confirms the start and end of Ramadan.
Will Eid al-Fitr be a long weekend in 2026?
If Ramadan lasts 30 days, a four-day Eid holiday is likely; if 29 days, a three-day break is expected.
Conclusion
The Ramadan start date is more than a calendar entry—it shapes life across the UAE socially, spiritually, and economically. For 2026, all reliable indicators point to Thursday, 19 February, but final confirmation will come only through the UAE’s official moon sighting process.
This guide consolidates all credible predictions, official procedures, and practical implications into one definitive resource. Whether you are fasting, managing a business, planning travel, or simply seeking clarity, this article provides the most accurate, complete, and trustworthy answer available today.
For final confirmation, always follow official UAE announcements closer to the date—but with this guide, you are already fully prepared.
- Ramadan Start Date 2026: Complete UAE Guide to Dates, Moon Sighting, Timings, and What to Expect - January 4, 2026
- Ramadan in Dubai 2026: A Complete, Cultural, and Practical Guide for Residents and Visitors - January 4, 2026
- UAE Public Holidays 2026, UAE — Your Complete Guide to Days Off and Long Weekends - January 3, 2026
