What To Know
- Families gather, gifts are exchanged, and Muslims give Zakat Al Fitr, a mandatory charity given before the Eid prayer to support those in need.
- The timetable below is based on an expected start date of February 19 and is subject to change following official confirmation.
- Beyond fasting, Ramadan is a time of increased prayer, Quran recitation, and charity.
Ramadan in the UAE is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, subject to official moon sighting. During the Holy Month, Muslims across the country will fast daily from Fajr (dawn) until Maghrib (sunset).
Imsak and iftar timings vary slightly between emirates due to geographical position, with differences typically ranging from three to seven minutes. Eastern emirates such as Fujairah record earlier timings, followed by Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, while Abu Dhabi generally observes slightly later times.
Residents and visitors are advised to follow official prayer schedules issued by local mosques and the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) for daily accuracy.
Note: The timetable below is based on an expected start date of February 19 and is subject to change following official confirmation.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi Ramadan Timings Overview
According to preliminary schedules:
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Dubai:
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Fajr in early Ramadan: 5:32–5:34am
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Maghrib / Iftar: 6:15–6:20pm
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Abu Dhabi:
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Fajr: around 5:37am
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Maghrib / Iftar: around 6:20pm
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Daily fasting hours across the UAE will generally range between 12 and 14 hours, gradually increasing as daylight lengthens through the month.
UAE Ramadan Prayer Timetable 2026 (Dubai Reference)
Times below are based on Dubai. Adjustments for other emirates are noted beneath the table.
🕌 Daily Prayer & Fasting Timings
| Date | Imsak | Fajr | Sunrise | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib / Iftar | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Feb (Ramadan 1) | 5:24 | 5:34 | 6:48 | 12:36 | 3:50 | 6:18 | 7:32 |
| 19 Feb (Ramadan 2) | 5:23 | 5:33 | 6:47 | 12:35 | 3:50 | 6:19 | 7:33 |
| 20 Feb (Ramadan 3) | 5:22 | 5:32 | 6:46 | 12:35 | 3:50 | 6:19 | 7:33 |
| 23 Feb (Ramadan 6) | 5:20 | 5:30 | 6:44 | 12:35 | 3:51 | 6:21 | 7:35 |
| 27 Feb (Ramadan 10) | 5:17 | 5:27 | 6:40 | 12:34 | 3:52 | 6:23 | 7:37 |
| 1 Mar (Ramadan 12) | 5:16 | 5:26 | 6:39 | 12:34 | 3:52 | 6:24 | 7:37 |
| 5 Mar (Ramadan 16) | 5:12 | 5:22 | 6:35 | 12:33 | 3:53 | 6:26 | 7:39 |
| 9 Mar (Ramadan 20) | 5:08 | 5:18 | 6:32 | 12:32 | 3:53 | 6:28 | 7:41 |
| 13 Mar (Ramadan 24) | 5:04 | 5:14 | 6:28 | 12:31 | 3:54 | 6:30 | 7:43 |
| 17 Mar (Ramadan 28) | 5:00 | 5:10 | 6:24 | 12:30 | 3:54 | 6:31 | 7:45 |
| 19 Mar (Ramadan 30) | 4:58 | 5:08 | 6:21 | 12:30 | 3:54 | 6:32 | 7:46 |
⏱ Time Differences by Emirate
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Abu Dhabi: +4 minutes
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Ras Al Khaimah: −4 minutes
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Fujairah: −6 minutes
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest period in Islam. It is marked by fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection. Because it follows the lunar cycle, its start date changes each year and is confirmed by moon sighting.
Fasting Rules During Ramadan
Adult Muslims who are physically able fast daily from Fajr to Maghrib. During fasting hours:
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Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited
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Emphasis is placed on patience, self-discipline, and ethical behaviour
The fast is traditionally broken at sunset with iftar, often beginning with dates and water.
Who Is Exempt From Fasting?
Exemptions apply to:
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The elderly and chronically ill
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Pregnant or nursing women
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Travellers
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Those unable to fast safely
Missed fasts may be made up later or compensated through charitable feeding, in accordance with Islamic guidance.
Spiritual Practices and Community Life
Beyond fasting, Ramadan is a time of increased prayer, Quran recitation, and charity. Taraweeh prayers are held nightly in mosques, and community iftars are common across the UAE. Many workplaces and schools adjust schedules to reflect fasting hours.
How Ramadan Ends: Eid Al Fitr
Ramadan concludes with Eid Al Fitr, beginning with a special prayer shortly after sunrise. Families gather, gifts are exchanged, and Muslims give Zakat Al Fitr, a mandatory charity given before the Eid prayer to support those in need.
