Ramadan Dubai 2026: Dates, Hours, Timings & Rules UAE

The daily life in Dubai slows down during the day and becomes more active after sunset during this time. The work hours are reduced, the mornings are quieter, and the evenings are focused on iftar, family time and of course, prayers. If you have experienced Ramadan in Dubai before, this routine will feel familiar to you. 

This guide will explain how Ramadan in Dubai 2026 affects the fasting hours, daily schedules, and also the Eid Al Fitr celebrations. 

Ramadan in Dubai 2026 Dates and Moon Sighting

Ramadan in Dubai 2026 is likely to begin around 18 or 19 February. But the exact date will only be confirmed after the official moon sighting. Ramadan does not start based on fixed calendar dates in the UAE. Instead, it begins when the new crescent moon is sighted, and it happens in all the muslim countries. 

The UAE moon-sighting committee looks for the crescent moon on the 29th day of Sha’ban. If the moon is seen, Ramadan starts the very next day. And if it is not seen, Sha’ban completes 30 days and then Ramadan begins one day later. This is how the start of Ramadan is confirmed every year in Dubai.

Ramadan in Dubai 2026 is expected to last 29 or 30 days and likely will end around 19 March based on the current calculations. Eid Al Fitr celebrations are going to begin the following next day, once the next moon sighting is confirmed.

Fasting Hours and Daily Schedule in Dubai

The fasting hours are likely to be around 13 to 14 hours each day during Ramadan in Dubai 2026. This is shorter than many previous years because this Ramadan is falling in winter. This is when the days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler.

The fast starts at Fajr (dawn) and ends at Maghrib (sunset). Most people stop eating around 5:00 am if we say it in the most practical terms. Then the iftar usually takes place between 6:15 pm and 6:30 pm. 

These timings can change slightly as the month progresses, but the difference is usually only a few minutes.

The daily life follows a familiar routine in Dubai during the Ramadan. The mornings are usually quiet, especially early in the day. 

Many people start their work later, and the government offices operate on reduced hours according to the timings in Ramadan. And during the afternoon, the city mostly stays calm as people conserve energy while they are fasting.

The pace changes as the time of sunset comes closer. The roads become busier before the iftar. The shops start to prepare for their evening customers, and the families start heading home or to the restaurants. 

And when everyone is done with iftar, Dubai feels active again, with people usually attending prayers, visiting relatives, or going out for late dinners.

Fasting will generally be more comfortable this time because Ramadan in Dubai 2026 is falling in a cooler weather. 

The mild temperatures make it easier to continue the daily routines, even for those who are working or commuting during the day.

Suhoor, Iftar, and Night Prayers

The day starts early with suhoor during the Ramadan. This is the meal eaten before dawn. Most people have suhoor between 5:00 am and 5:30 am, just before the Fajr prayer. This meal is important because it helps people stay full and hydrated during the fasting hours.

The fast is broken at iftar, which happens just after the sunset. The iftar is usually around 6:15 pm to 6:30 pm in Dubai. 

Many people break their fast with dates and water. This is a common and well-known practice according to the Sunnah. 

The families sit down for a proper meal, either at home or at restaurants after the Maghrib prayer to break their fast. 

The hotels and restaurants play a big role during this time. There are many places that offer set iftar menus or buffets, and these meals are what often bring the families and friends together in the evening.

When everyone is usually done with dinner, the people head to the mosques for their Taraweeh prayers, which take place after the Isha prayer. 

These prayers usually start around 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm and can last anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour. This depends on the mosque. The mosques are noticeably busier during Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights of the month.

The final part of Ramadan holds special importance. There are many people who spend extra time praying during the last ten nights. And especially on Laylat Al Qadr, which is believed to be the most blessed night of the month. 

The mosques stay open longer, and attendance increases across the city for them during these blessed nights (also known as Taaq nights).

Work Hours, Schools, and Public Holidays

The work and school schedules are adjusted to make fasting easier during the period of Ramadan.

Work Hours:

• The government offices usually start work from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday. And on Fridays, the hours end around 12:00 pm.
• The private sector offices often reduce the working hours by about two hours per day. There are some companies that also allow flexible or remote work, especially on Fridays.

School Hours:

• The students usually attend school for a maximum of five hours per day.
• On Fridays, the schools often finish around 11:30 am.
• The exact timings can change, so it’s best to check with the school of your child.

Public Holidays & Eid Al Fitr:

• Ramadan in Dubai 2026 will probably end on 19 March.
• Eid Al Fitr celebrations are likely to start on 20 March. But still, the exact dates will depend on the official sighting of the moon.
• The holidays will usually last for a few days. So the families and residents have time to celebrate and rest after a whole month of Ramadan.

These are the adjustments that will make it easier for you to fast and attend your prayers while you go on with your daily routine.

Culture, Traditions, and Community Life

The city takes on a slower rhythm during the day and a more social atmosphere after the sunset in this blessed month of Ramadan. The people focus on fasting, prayer, and spending time with their family and friends.

Traditional Customs:

• The families usually break their fast with dates and water, following the common practice as per the Sunnah.
• There are many people who attend Taraweeh prayers at mosques in the evening.
• There are also some community gatherings that people call as majlis and these are common. The people usually sit together and talk about the holy verses in these gatherings. 

Charity and Giving:

• Ramadan is a time for helping others. You will notice donation drives, food distribution programs, and people volunteering in various ways.
• These activities are part of the Season of Wulfa. It encourages kindness and community connection.

Evening Life:

• The markets and souks open up later for the usual shopping and entertainment after the iftar.
• The families visit night markets for the food, clothes, and traditional crafts.
• Even if you are not fasting, the evening rhythm of the city is noticeable, with people enjoying shared meals and cultural events and turning the whole environment lively. 

It’s a month where the city changes its pace but in a way that feels blessed and comforting. 

Practical Tips for Visitors and Locals

There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind to make the month easier and respectful for everyone during the Ramadan period. 

During Fasting Hours:

• It will be better if you avoid eating, drinking, and even smoking in public from dawn to sunset.
• There are many of the restaurants that are closed during the day or they usually have covered areas for the ones who are not fasting. 

Iftar and Suhoor:

• The restaurants open after the sunset for iftar.
• If you plan to eat out, then it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially if you are going to any popular places.

Dress Code:

You have to wear modest clothing in public spaces. This means that your shoulders and knees should be covered.

Shopping and Entertainment:

• The malls and markets stay open later than they usually close at the normal timings
• It is better to avoid going out just before the iftar. This is because the traffic and crowds can be really heavy during this time.

Respect and Observation:

Even if you are not fasting, it would be better to follow the local customs to show respect.

You can also enjoy the informative gatherings by joining in the community iftars or just visiting mosques for a good learning experience of the overall culture. 

So these tips will also help you to adjust throughout the Ramadan without actually offending anyone who is following religious practices. 

Accommodation and Dining During Ramadan

There are some little adjustments that you can easily make if you are staying in the city during Ramadan. The hotels and rental services also adapt to an active schedule of Ramadan so it gets easier for everyone to follow their religious practices. 

Staying in Hotels:

There are many hotels that have Ramadan packages for the families or tourists. This also includes the early check-ins or the late check-outs to match the fasting schedules.

The rooms that are near the iftar areas or restaurants can be convenient if you plan to enjoy your evening meals without traveling far.

Dining Options:

Not all of the restaurants serve food during the day. There are many that are open just before sunset for iftar.

There are some hotels and cafes that provide takeaway options for suhoor if you prefer to eat in your room early in the morning.

You will also find a few restaurants that offer Ramadan set menus at fixed prices. So this can save time and help you plan meals.

Practical Tips for Visitors:

It would always be better to check the hotel policies about the meal timings during Ramadan. There are some places that may have adjusted the gym or pool hours.

If you are staying in an apartment, then you will find nearby supermarkets or convenience stores that usually stock the essentials for suhoor and iftar.

It would be better to book ahead if you are going for evening dining. This is because the popular restaurants and the hotel buffets usually get busy quickly.

These things will make it more comfortable for you to plan your things and your day easily according to the schedule of Ramadan. 

Final Thoughts

Ramadan in Dubai 2026 will be easier than usual because the days are shorter and the weather is cooler this time. The work and the school hours are shorter, and the city is quiet during the day but active in the evenings with the iftar and prayers.

It is always better to know about the dates and timings beforehand if you are living in or visiting Dubai. This is what will make things easier for you so you can plan your day according to these timings as well. If you follow these routines and respect the local customs, it will help you get through the month without any issues.

So in short, Ramadan in Dubai 2026 is a blessed month that comes with so many refreshing moments and a chance to spend quality time with your family and friends. You basically just need a little planning to focus on your fasting and prayers, and the rest would flow in the most blessed way — and if you are also exploring property opportunities during this time, uae-offplan can help you discover the best off-plan projects across Dubai and the UAE with ease.