All the important info to help you plan for the Ramadan 2026 in Dubai
1. Ramadan 2026 Start Date in Dubai
Ramadan 2026 in Dubai is expected to begin on either Tuesday, February 17 or Wednesday, February 18. These dates are based on astronomical forecasts made by the International Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences in the UAE. However, like every year, the official start will be confirmed by moon sightings and religious scholars the night before.
Expected Ramadan in 2026
While it’s best to wait for official confirmation, these predictions help residents and businesses prepare in advance. Plan early if you're booking travel, adjusting schedules, or arranging iftars with friends. The start date could shift by a day, but rarely more than that.
2. What Happens During Ramadan in Dubai
During Ramadan 2026 in Dubai, Muslims will fast daily from dawn until sunset. This means no eating, drinking, or smoking in public during those hours. The fast is broken at sunset with iftar, and the day usually ends with prayers and community meals.
Core Activities During Ramadan:
Fasting from sunrise to sunset
Evening iftar meals after call to prayer
Suhoor meals before dawn
Shortened work and school hours
Increased prayer, charity, and reflection
The sound of cannons signals the end of each day's fast, a tradition across various parts of the city. Restaurants adjust their schedules accordingly, with some opening only after sunset. Workplaces also implement reduced hours, making it a period of both spiritual focus and lifestyle change.
3. How Ramadan Affects Daily Life in Dubai
Ramadan 2026 will impact many day-to-day routines in Dubai. School hours, work schedules, and even traffic patterns shift throughout the holy month. It's a time where both public and private sectors adapt operations to support those observing the fast.
Common Lifestyle Changes:
Public sector hours reduced by 2 hours
Many private offices allow early logoff or remote work
Cafés open late or operate in designated screened areas
Shopping malls extend hours into the night
Public transport may run on different timing
For non-Muslim residents, understanding and respecting these changes is key. It’s not mandatory to fast, but eating, drinking, or chewing gum in public during daylight is discouraged. Many offices shift to a hybrid model or offer flexible scheduling during this time.
4. Ramadan 2026 and Dubai’s Remote Work Policy
Dubai is expected to continue its flexible work policy during Ramadan 2026, especially for the government sector. In 2025, public employees were allowed to work remotely for one day a week, and similar arrangements may be in place for 2026. These changes help people manage fasting schedules while maintaining productivity.
Typical Remote Work Adjustments:
One remote day per week for public school students
Optional work-from-home day for government employees
Reduced in-office hours across sectors
Digital learning for some school subjects
Parents will want to keep an eye on school announcements. Many schools implement distance learning once or twice per week, often aligning suhoor and iftar with lighter academic schedules. Businesses and government departments typically announce updated guidelines a few weeks before Ramadan begins.
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5. Suhoor and Iftar Traditions in Ramadan 2026
Two of the most important moments each day during Ramadan 2026 in Dubai will be suhoor and iftar. Suhoor is the early morning meal eaten before dawn, while iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast. Both meals carry spiritual and social significance and are often shared with family and friends.
Popular Suhoor Foods:
Dates and fresh fruits
Porridge or oats
Whole wheat bread and eggs
Yogurt with nuts or honey
Famous Iftar Dishes:
Lentil soup and samosas
Grilled meats and rice
Hummus, tabbouleh, and fattoush
Sweets like qatayef and luqaimat
Across Dubai, many hotels and restaurants will offer suhoor buffets and iftar menus. Whether at home or outside, both meals are times for reflection, gratitude, and connection with community. It’s also common to break fast with a simple date and water, following the Prophet’s tradition.
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6. Ramadan 2026 Public Sector and School Changes
Government departments in Dubai usually adjust their working hours during Ramadan, and 2026 is expected to follow a similar model. Public sector offices often open later in the morning and close earlier than usual. Schools, especially public ones, will implement lighter timetables and remote learning days.
Estimated Ramadan 2026 Work Timings
Each year, UAE authorities release a circular detailing official working hours. Many institutions will also give employees the option to work from home, especially during the first and last weeks of Ramadan. School holidays around Eid may follow directly after Ramadan ends.
7. Local Customs During Ramadan 2026
During Ramadan 2026 in Dubai, it's important for residents and visitors to observe the cultural etiquette of the city. Non-Muslims are not required to fast, but public behaviour is expected to reflect the spirit of the holy month. Showing respect is key to maintaining harmony across communities.
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts in Ramadan:
Do dress modestly in public
Do greet others with Ramadan Kareem
Do avoid eating or drinking publicly during fasting hours
Do be patient in service environments
Don’t play loud music in public
Don’t engage in public displays of affection
Don’t smoke in public during fasting hours
Don’t refuse invitations to iftar without reason
Understanding these norms not only shows cultural awareness but also enhances your experience of the city during one of its most meaningful times of the year.
8. Public Transport and City Operations in Ramadan 2026
Dubai’s public transport and city operations typically follow a modified schedule during Ramadan. The Dubai Metro, buses, and taxis usually operate on adjusted timings, with evening hours extended to accommodate post-iftar traffic. Shopping malls also stay open late to serve the night-time crowd.
Changes Expected During Ramadan 2026:
Metro hours extended into late night
Bus frequency increases after sunset
Parking regulations may be relaxed in some areas
Major supermarkets open later than usual
Malls run until midnight or later
Always check with official Dubai government websites closer to the start of Ramadan for updated public transport announcements. Whether commuting, shopping, or heading to a mosque, knowing the new timings helps you plan better.
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9. Ramadan Nightlife and Shopping in Dubai
While the days during Ramadan are quieter, Dubai’s nightlife transforms after sunset. Malls, cafes, and souks come alive post-iftar, staying open until midnight or even later. Ramadan 2026 will likely see night markets return, offering everything from handmade crafts to traditional sweets and clothing for Eid.
Popular Night Activities:
Ramadan night markets in Deira and Al Seef
Post-iftar gatherings at cafés and lounges
Shopping for abayas, accessories, and gifts
Nighttime mall promotions and sales
Iftar tents and live entertainment at hotels
It’s a great time to explore cultural products, stock up on seasonal goods, or experience the city in a whole new light. The atmosphere is relaxed, families are out late, and there’s a welcoming energy throughout the city after sunset.
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10. Preparing for Eid al-Fitr After Ramadan 2026
Ramadan 2026 in Dubai will conclude with Eid al-Fitr, a major celebration marking the end of the fasting month. Eid is expected to fall on March 19 or 20, depending on moon sightings. The occasion is observed with prayer, gatherings, meals, and gifting.
How Dubai Prepares for Eid:
Special Eid prayers held in mosques across the city
Public sector announces multiple-day holidays
Malls launch major Eid sales and giveaways
Charity drives and food distribution intensify
Families prepare traditional dishes and sweets
Eid al-Fitr is a joyful moment and a perfect time to reflect, connect, and celebrate. Dubai hosts numerous events, including fireworks and special shows across landmarks. Make sure to plan ahead for public holiday announcements and transportation needs during the celebration week.
FAQs on Ramadan 2026 in Dubai
What month will Ramadan be in 2026?
Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin in mid-February, likely starting on Tuesday, February 17 or Wednesday, February 18. The month will conclude around March 18 or 19, depending on moon sightings. The official start date will be confirmed by Islamic scholars the evening before the first fast. As Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, the dates shift every year in the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, it will mostly take place across February and March.
Will there be 2 Ramadan in 2030?
Yes, in 2030, Ramadan is expected to occur twice within the same Gregorian year. The first is predicted to start in early January and the second in late December. This rare event is due to the lunar Islamic calendar being shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar by approximately 11 days each year. It is uncommon, happening roughly once every 33 years. Muslims worldwide will observe two fasting periods, both with their own Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
When was Eid-ul-Fitr in 2026?
Eid-ul-Fitr in 2026 is likely to fall on Thursday, March 19 or Friday, March 20, depending on the end of Ramadan. This religious holiday marks the completion of a month of fasting and is observed with morning prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals.
Will there be 2 Ramadans in 2025?
No, in 2025, there will be only one Ramadan, starting around Friday, February 28 and ending by March 30 or 31. Two Ramadans in one year is a rare phenomenon that is not expected in 2025. The next instance of two Ramadans occurring in a single Gregorian year will happen in 2030, due to the shifting lunar calendar. The year 2025 will follow a typical 29 or 30-day fasting period, ending with Eid al-Fitr.
How long is Ramadan 2025?
Ramadan in 2025 began on the evening of Friday, February 28, and is expected to conclude on either Sunday, March 30 or Monday, March 31. The duration of the fasting month is always between 29 and 30 days, depending on the moon sighting. Every day during this period, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and end the day with iftar. Suhoor is eaten before dawn, and prayers are performed throughout the day and evening.
Does Ramadan go back 15 days every year?
Ramadan does not shift by 15 days each year, but it does move earlier by around 10 to 11 days annually in the Gregorian calendar. This shift happens because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar system, which totals about 354 days a year. As a result, Ramadan appears earlier each year. This cycle allows the month to be experienced during different seasons over time, rotating through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Will we have 3 Eids in 2030?
While there will be two Ramadans and two Eid al-Fitr celebrations in 2030, there will not be three Eids in that year. However, 2033 is predicted to be the year where three Eid holidays may occur due to the Islamic lunar calendar cycle. These events include two Eid al-Fitrs and one Eid al-Adha. This is a rare alignment, and it will depend on moon sightings and exact lunar calculations.
Which year is 2 Eid-ul-Fitr?
The year 2033 is predicted to have two Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, one in January and one in December. This happens due to the lunar calendar completing two Ramadan cycles within the same Gregorian year. It is an unusual but possible occurrence when the first Ramadan begins in early January and the second falls by the end of December. This results in both fasting months having their own separate Eid al-Fitr observances.
What year will Muslims fast twice?
Muslims are expected to fast twice in 2030. The first Ramadan will likely begin in early January, and the second in late December. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based and shorter than the solar calendar, this alignment can occur about once every 33 years. In 2030, fasting will take place during two distinct months, with separate Ramadan preparations, fasting days, and Eid al-Fitr holidays each time.
What does Eid Mubarak mean?
Eid Mubarak is an Arabic phrase that means blessed celebration or blessed festival. It is used by Muslims around the world to greet each other during the two major Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The greeting reflects joy, community spirit, and good wishes. People often say this phrase before, during, and after prayers and festive meals.
Eid Mubarak
Eid Sa’id (Happy Eid)
Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum (May God accept our efforts)
Kul ‘am wa antum bikhair (Wishing you well every year)
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How many Ramadan are there in 2027?
In 2027, Ramadan is expected to occur once. It is projected to begin on Sunday, February 7. Despite popular confusion, there will not be two Ramadan months in 2027. The confusion often arises due to how the Islamic calendar aligns with the Gregorian system. While 2030 is the year set for two Ramadan months, 2027 will follow the usual cycle of one month of fasting and one Eid al-Fitr.
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What year did Eid start?
Eid al-Fitr was first celebrated in 624 CE after the battle of Badr. The Prophet Muhammad and his companions marked the end of the first Ramadan fasting period with a communal prayer and celebration. Since then, Eid al-Fitr has become one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated globally.
What is the difference between Suhoor and Iftar?
Suhoor is the meal consumed early in the morning before dawn, while Iftar is the meal taken at sunset to break the daily fast. Both meals are essential for those observing Ramadan.
Both meals follow traditional and cultural routines passed down through generations.
Are there any special public announcements for Ramadan?
Yes, the government of Dubai usually releases special announcements before Ramadan begins. These include changes to public transport, working hours, school timetables, and public sector policies. The announcements also include reminders about public behaviour during Ramadan and updated parking schedules.
Ramadan working hours for government offices
Adjusted metro and bus timings
Malls and markets extended hours
Public event schedules
Eid holidays and Zakat instructions
These are shared via local news outlets, official social media accounts, and government websites.
What are common foods eaten during Ramadan in Dubai?
In Dubai, traditional Ramadan meals blend Emirati dishes with flavours from across the Middle East and South Asia. The most common items for iftar and suhoor focus on nutrition, hydration, and energy for fasting.
Common Ramadan Foods in Dubai:
Iftar: Lentil soup, biryani, grilled meat, qatayef
Suhoor: Flatbread, eggs, labneh, dates
Snacks: Samosas, hummus, pakoras
Sweets: Luqaimat, baklava, dates with nuts
Restaurants also offer curated iftar and suhoor buffets during Ramadan. Some hotels prepare elaborate menus for the holy month, making it a rich culinary experience.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. The details mentioned are based on the best available information at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice by the respective authorities. Readers are encouraged to consult the relevant offices directly for the most accurate and updated information.