Monday, 19 January 2026 | Dubai, UAE [Posted at 8:01 pm| Updated on 8 February 2026 at 12:17 pm]
Ramadan 2026 is approaching quickly, and residents across the UAE are already asking key questions: When does Ramadan begin? How long will fasting hours be? Here is a guide covering everything you need to know based on official announcements.
Read more – When Is Ramadan 2026 in the UAE? Expected Festive Dates, Eid Holidays, Fasting Hours
When Is Ramadan 2026 in the UAE?
The UAE Council for Fatwa has confirmed that Tuesday, January 20, 2026, will mark the first day of Shaaban, the Islamic month that comes just before Ramadan. Therefore, Ramadan could begin on 19 February 2026.
Based on current astronomical calculations, below are the key dates for finding the exact date of starting Ramadan:
- Expected start of Ramadan: Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Alternate date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (if Shaaban lasts 29 days)
- Final confirmation: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after the official moon sighting by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee
The astronomical data indicates that the holy month will start on 19 February 2026. As always, the final date depends on the physical sighting of the crescent moon.
Why the Start of Shaaban Is Important
Shaaban acts as a spiritual preparation period before Ramadan. Many Muslims in the UAE gradually adjust their routines during this month by the following:
- Preparing for fasting
- Increasing prayers and charity
- Adapting sleep and meal schedules
Knowing when Shaaban begins helps predict Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr dates more accurately.
Ramadan in UAE, Fasting duration in 2026
One major highlight of Ramadan is shorter fasting hours, especially compared to recent summer Ramadans.
Expected fasting duration:
- Start of Ramadan: ~12 to 13 hours
- Mid to end of Ramadan: ~13 to 14 hours
Slight variations are expected between emirates, with northern areas like Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah experiencing marginally longer fasts than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The earliest iftar will occur in Khorfakkan and the latest in the western region of Al Sila.
Why Is Shorter Fasting Timings This Time
Shaaban plays an important role in helping Muslims spiritually and physically prepare for the month of fasting.
Ramadan follows the Hijri (lunar) calendar. As a result, it is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. It causes Ramadan to shift earlier every year. In 2026, Ramadan falls in late February and March.
This period sits between winter and early spring. During this timeline, sunrise is later, and sunset is earlier than in summer. As a result, fasting hours are noticeably shorter, but they might increase slightly as Ramadan progresses toward spring.
Read more – UAE Confirms the Start of Ramadan
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Iftar Timings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Although the exact iftar timing would differ based on location, here is a quick overview of the UAE Ramadan fasting timings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
Dubai Iftar timings (approximate):
- Beginning of Ramadan: 6:15 pm
- Mid-Ramadan: 6:23 pm
- End of Ramadan: 6:30 pm
Abu Dhabi Iftar timings:
- Beginning: 6:19 pm
- Mid-Ramadan: 6:26 pm
- End: 6:33 pm
Suhoor Timings
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, is expected to end at the following times:
- Start of Ramadan: Suhoor ends between 5:00 am and 5:20 am
- End of Ramadan: Gradually shifts earlier as days lengthen
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Possible UAE Public Holidays
Depending on moon sighting, Eid Al Fitr is likely between March 19 and March 21, 2026. Some scenarios could offer a four-day long weekend in the UAE. Exact holiday dates will be announced closer to the time.
Conclusion
For those thinking about when is Ramadan 2026 in the UAE, the holy month is expected to begin on February 19, 2026. However, official announcements from UAE authorities will confirm final dates closer to Ramadan.
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