Ramadan 2026 in UAE — Official Dates
Ramadan 2026 officially began on Wednesday, February 18, following confirmation by the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee and the Council of Fatwa, after the crescent moon was sighted on the evening of Tuesday, February 17 in Abu Dhabi. The holy month is predicted to last 30 days, ending on approximately Thursday, March 19.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday evening, March 19, or Friday, March 20, marking the start of a four-day public holiday for both public and private sector employees in the UAE — creating an extended long weekend that overlaps with school spring breaks.
Note: Eid dates are confirmed only after the Shawwal crescent moon is sighted. The UAE Moon Sighting Committee will meet on the evening of Wednesday, March 18 to make the official determination.
| Event | Expected Date |
| First day of Ramadan 2026 | Wednesday, 18 February 2026 |
| Last day of Ramadan (predicted) | Wednesday–Thursday, 18–19 March 2026 |
| Eid Al Fitr (expected) | Thursday evening 19 / Friday 20 March 2026 |
| Public holiday (Eid Al Fitr) | 4-day long weekend (Thu–Sun) |
| School spring break overlap | 16–29/30 March 2026 |
| Fasting hours (approx, early Feb) | Approx. 13–14 hours/day |
Ramadan Working Hours in UAE 2026
During Ramadan, working hours are reduced for all employees in the UAE under MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) regulations. Private sector employees must receive a mandatory reduction of two working hours per day — this applies to all employees regardless of religion.
- Private sector: Mandatory 2-hour reduction per day. Standard 8-hour day becomes a 6-hour day.
- Government sector: Generally 6-hour working days with earlier closing times. Check with your specific government employer for exact timings.
- Shift workers: Night shifts may be adjusted. Consult MOHRE guidelines for your sector.
Pro Tip: Ramadan working hours in the UAE are shorter, but productivity expectations remain. Use the extra time wisely — many professionals find early morning hours (just after Suhoor) exceptionally productive for focused work.
Ramadan Etiquette for Residents and Visitors
Whether you are fasting or not, Ramadan in the UAE carries specific rules and social expectations:
- No eating or drinking in public during daylight hours: This applies to everyone in the UAE, regardless of religion, nationality, or whether you are fasting. Eat and drink only in private spaces, your home, or designated eating areas during daylight.
- No smoking in public during daylight hours: Same rule applies.
- Modest dress code: The general expectation for modest dress becomes more pronounced during Ramadan. Avoid revealing clothing in public areas.
- Lower your voice: Loud music and disruptive behaviour in public are especially frowned upon.
- Restaurants: Most restaurants remain open but screen their dining areas during the day. Some display Ramadan-specific hours. Fast food and casual dining is more restricted; hotel restaurants remain open for non-fasting guests.
Important: Eating, drinking, or smoking openly in public during daylight hours in Ramadan is a legal violation in the UAE and can result in a fine. This is enforced.
Top Iftar Spots in Dubai 2026
Iftar — the meal at which the daily fast is broken at sunset — has become one of the UAE’s most celebrated dining occasions. From opulent hotel tents to beachfront majlis settings, here are the standout experiences in 2026:
Asateer Tent — Atlantis, The Palm
One of Dubai’s most iconic Ramadan institutions returns for 2026. The Asateer Tent at Atlantis offers a fusion buffet with theme nights including Arabesque, Khaleeji, Persian, and Turkish cuisine, with multiple seating options including Royal Majlis and VIP areas. Price: AED 295 (Mon–Thu), AED 325 (Fri–Sun).
Al Majlis — Madinat Jumeirah
The Madinat Jumeirah’s Ramadan tent is one of the most atmospheric in the city. Break your fast at the indoor Al Majlis or in the open-air Al Majlis Garden, with a generous buffet featuring lamb ouzi, mixed grills, and traditional Arabic spreads.
The Majlis — Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Laced with a contemporary touch, this grand open-air majlis serves iftar under warm lights with a buffet featuring lentil soup, crispy kibbeh, baba ghanoush, lamb ouzi, and barbecue mixed grill. Price: AED 450 (adults), AED 225 (children 6–12).
Burj Al Arab Al Diwan
The Burj Al Arab’s second Ramadan tent, following a successful debut in 2025, combines international and Arabic flavours with live cooking stations and nightly qanun performances in one of the world’s most iconic settings.
Armani Hotel Dubai — Open-Air Iftar
Experience sunset over the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains with an international buffet at the Armani Hotel’s open-air pavilion. Price: AED 375–410. Sunset to 9pm daily.
Top Iftar Spots in Abu Dhabi 2026
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
One of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious iftar venues. The grand Ramadan tent offers a regal buffet with traditional Arabic dishes, premium seafood, and elaborate desserts in a palatial setting. Price: AED 350+.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
For an unforgettable Ramadan experience beyond the city, Qasr Al Sarab offers a traditional buffet iftar surrounded by the Empty Quarter dunes. Live entertainment, a tranquil atmosphere, and star-filled skies make this a bucket-list iftar. Price: AED 400.
Yas Links Lawn — Yas Island
A relaxed outdoor iftar overlooking the championship golf course greens. Sharing-style starters and soup, live cooking stations, Arabic juices, shisha, and a live oud player in a calm, scenic setting. Price: AED 195.
Ornina Arabian Lounge — Al Raha Beach
Traditional Arabic and Middle Eastern iftar with a choice of Lebanese or Moroccan mezze in an authentic setting. Daily set menu with live oud entertainment. Price: AED 165.
Ramadan Food Guide — Traditional Dishes to Try
- Dates and Qamar Al-Din: Every iftar begins with dates (traditionally three) and Qamar Al-Din, a sweet apricot juice that is a Ramadan staple across the Arab world.
- Harees: A slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge, hearty and traditional. An Emirati iftar essential.
- Lamb Ouzi: Whole slow-roasted lamb served over rice — the centrepiece of many UAE iftar buffets.
- Suhoor (pre-dawn meal): The meal before the fast begins. Lighter than iftar — dates, eggs, labneh, flatbread, and soup are typical.
- Luqaimat: Deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame — the UAE’s beloved Ramadan dessert.
- Umm Ali: A warm bread pudding with nuts and cream — the UAE’s Ramadan dessert institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ramadan 2026 in UAE?
Ramadan 2026 began on Wednesday, February 18, and is expected to end around Wednesday–Thursday, March 18–19. Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Do non-Muslims have to fast in UAE during Ramadan?
No. Non-Muslims are not required to fast. However, all residents and visitors must refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours. This is a legal requirement, not just a social expectation.
Can I eat in restaurants during Ramadan in UAE?
Most restaurants are open but screen their dining areas (with curtains or partitions) during the day. Hotel restaurants and dedicated non-fasting areas serve food throughout the day. After sunset, all restaurants operate normally.
What is Suhoor?
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal consumed before the Fajr (dawn) prayer marks the beginning of the daily fast. Many UAE restaurants and hotels offer late-night Suhoor menus from approximately 10pm to 3am during Ramadan.