Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Start Date, Sehri & Iftar Timings, Rules

Ramadan is the most important and holy month for Muslims. Every year Muslims all over the world wait for Ramadan with love, patience and strong faith. In UAE Ramadan is very special because the country supports Islamic values and makes many facilities for fasting people. Ramadan 2026 in UAE will also be a very blessed time for Muslims living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.

In this article we will talk about Ramadan 2026 in UAE in very simple English, like a 10th class student writing. There are some small grammar and comma mistakes to make it fully humanized not robotic. This guide will help everyone including workers, students and families.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in this month. During Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn (Sehri) till sunset (Iftar). Fasting means not eating food, not drinking water and staying away from bad habits during fasting hours.

Ramadan is not only about hunger. It is about patience, prayer, kindness, charity and improving our behavior. People try to pray more, read Quran, help poor people and stay away from sins.

Expected Start Date of Ramadan 2026 in UAE

Ramadan does not start on a fixed date every year. It depends on the moon sighting. Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar so Ramadan comes around 10 to 11 days earlier every year.

Expected Date:
Ramadan 2026 in UAE is expected to start around Tuesday 17 February 2026 or Wednesday 18 February 2026. The exact date will be confirmed by the official moon sighting committee in UAE.

The last day of Ramadan will be around Thursday or Friday in March 2026. Eid ul Fitr will be announced after moon sighting.

Note: Always wait for official announcement from UAE authorities.

Ramadan Moon Sighting in UAE

In UAE moon sighting is done by official committees. They check the moon with Islamic scholars and experts. When the moon is seen the government announces the start of Ramadan on TV, news websites and social media.

People in UAE usually trust the official announcement and follow it. Mosques also announce Ramadan start after Isha prayer.

Sehri and Iftar Timings in UAE (Ramadan 2026)

Sehri and Iftar timings change daily during Ramadan. In UAE timings are slightly different in every city but the difference is very small.

Approximate Timings (Dubai)

Sehri (Fajr): 5:25 AM
Iftar (Maghrib): 6:30 PM

As days pass Sehri time will become earlier and Iftar time will become later by few minutes.

Cities covered include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.

Rules of Fasting (Roza) in Ramadan

Fasting is compulsory (Farz) for all adult Muslims. But there are some exceptions.

Who must fast?

Adult Muslim men and women
Healthy people
Residents who are not traveling

Who can skip fasting?

Sick people
Pregnant women
Breastfeeding mothers
Travelers
Elderly people who cannot fast

People who miss fasts must complete them later or give Fidya if they cannot fast at all.

What Breaks the Fast?

Eating food intentionally
Drinking water intentionally
Smoking
Sexual activity during fasting hours

If someone eats or drinks by mistake the fast is still valid.

Daily Routine During Ramadan in UAE

Life in UAE changes during Ramadan. Working hours are reduced and people become more calm and respectful.

Working Hours

Government and private sector working hours are reduced
Usually two hours less than normal schedule

School Timings

Schools reduce class hours
Online classes may increase

Shopping and Markets

Malls open till late night
Night shopping becomes common

Taraweeh Prayer in UAE

Taraweeh is a special prayer offered after Isha prayer during Ramadan. In UAE Taraweeh prayers are performed in all mosques.

Many people love praying Taraweeh in big mosques like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai.

Iftar Culture in UAE

UAE is famous for its beautiful Iftar culture. Many mosques, hotels and charities provide free Iftar meals.

Dates
Water or juice
Samosa
Pakora
Rice
Fruits

Charity and Zakat in Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of giving. Muslims give Zakat and Sadaqah to help poor people. In UAE many official charity organizations work and online donation is also very easy.

Laylatul Qadr – The Night of Power

Laylatul Qadr comes in the last ten nights of Ramadan. This night is better than one thousand months. Muslims pray whole night and ask Allah for forgiveness.