Ramadan Start Date in UAE – Official Announcement Pending (Moon Sighting Update)
Ramadan Start Date in UAE ( 1447 AH) is expected to begin on:
👉 The crescent moon for Ramadan has been sighted in UAE, meaning the holy month 2026 will start on February 18.
The UAE is once again witnessing a moment of deep spiritual anticipation as residents await the official Ramadan moon sighting announcement. Every year, the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, a sacred Islamic tradition followed across the country.
As of now, Ramadan has not yet been officially confirmed, and it is expected to begin either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, subject to the outcome of the moon sighting.
This article provides a complete, authoritative, guide covering:
- Ramadan moon sighting in the UAE
- How the official announcement is made
- Expected start date scenarios
- What changes once Ramadan begins
- FAQs people search for on Google and voice assistants
When Will Ramadan Start in the UAE?
Short answer (for Featured Snippet & Voice Search):
Ramadan in the UAE will begin either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, depending on whether the crescent moon is sighted today. The official date will be announced by UAE authorities after moon observation.
This answer format is optimized for:
- Google Featured Snippets
- Voice assistants (AEO)
- “People Also Ask” results
Why Ramadan Start Date Depends on Moon Sighting
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the lunar calendar requires physical moon sighting to confirm the beginning of each month.
Key Points:
- Ramadan begins on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar
- The crescent moon (Hilal) must be sighted
- Astronomical calculations support, but do not replace, moon sighting
- Official confirmation is mandatory before fasting begins
How the Ramadan Moon Sighting Is Conducted in the UAE
The UAE follows a strict and respected process to ensure religious accuracy.
Moon Sighting Process:
- Observation on the 29th day of Sha’ban
- Use of:
- Naked-eye observation
- Advanced telescopes
- Astronomical data for verification
- Review by religious and judicial committees
- Official announcement through government channels
Until this process is completed, no fixed Ramadan date is declared.
Is Ramadan Tomorrow or the Day After Tomorrow?
This is currently the most searched question in the UAE.
Possible Scenarios:
- If the moon is sighted today:
✅ Ramadan will begin tomorrow - If the moon is not sighted today:
✅ Ramadan will begin the day after tomorrow, completing 30 days of Sha’ban
Ramadan Atmosphere in Dubai Before Official Announcement
Even before confirmation, Ramadan preparations are visible across Dubai and the UAE.
Citywide Preparations:
- Ramadan lights and decorations in malls and streets
- Supermarkets stocking Ramadan essentials
- Mosques preparing for Taraweeh prayers
- Increase in charity and food distribution drives
- Hotels and restaurants preparing Iftar and Suhoor menus
Dubai gradually shifts into Ramadan mode days before the announcement.
What Changes Immediately After Ramadan Is Officially Announced?
Once Ramadan is declared, several changes take effect across the UAE.
1. Fasting Begins Across the Country
Muslims observe fasting from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset), abstaining from:
- Eating and drinking
- Smoking
- Negative behavior
Fasting during Ramadan emphasizes discipline, patience, and compassion.
2. Prayer Timings and Taraweeh Prayers Begin
Mosques across the UAE introduce:
- Daily Taraweeh prayers after Isha
- Extended night prayers
- Special Quran recitations
Mosques become central gathering points, especially at night.
3. Reduced Working Hours in UAE During Ramadan
According to UAE regulations:
- Working hours are reduced for employees
- Flexible schedules are implemented
- Schools adjust class timings
These changes help residents balance work, worship, and family life.
Ramadan Lifestyle in Dubai: Day vs Night
During Daytime:
- Quieter streets
- Restaurants operate discreetly
- Emphasis on respectful public behavior
After Sunset:
- Iftar gatherings across the city
- Restaurants and cafes open late
- Suhoor tents and Ramadan events
- Increased social and family activities
Dubai becomes most active after sunset during Ramadan.
Iftar and Suhoor in the UAE
Iftar – Breaking the Fast
Traditionally opened with:
- Dates
- Water
Dubai offers:
- Free Iftar at mosques
- Hotel Iftar buffets
- Community food distribution
Suhoor – Pre-Dawn Meal
Suhoor helps sustain energy during fasting hours and focuses on:
- Hydration
- Balanced nutrition
Many restaurants remain open late specifically for Suhoor.
Charity and Giving During Ramadan in the UAE
Ramadan is a peak time for generosity.
Common Charity Practices:
- Zakat (mandatory charity)
- Sadaqah (voluntary giving)
- Food donation campaigns
- Community support programs
The UAE places strong emphasis on humanitarian values during Ramadan.
Cultural Harmony During Ramadan in the UAE
With residents from over 200 nationalities, Ramadan in the UAE is observed with mutual respect.
Non-Muslims:
- Are encouraged to respect fasting hours
- Often participate in Iftar gatherings
- Experience Emirati hospitality and traditions
Ramadan strengthens community bonds and cultural understanding.
FAQs
❓ Has Ramadan been officially announced in the UAE?
No, Ramadan has not yet been officially announced. The confirmation depends on the moon sighting and will be declared by UAE authorities.
❓ Will Ramadan start tomorrow in the UAE?
Ramadan will start tomorrow if the crescent moon is sighted today. Otherwise, it will begin the day after tomorrow.
❓ Who announces the start of Ramadan in the UAE?
The announcement is made by official UAE religious and judicial authorities after moon sighting.
❓ Can fasting begin without official confirmation?
No, fasting begins only after the official Ramadan announcement.
❓ Why does Ramadan start on different dates each year?
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar and depends on moon sighting.
Media Responsibility and Accuracy in Ramadan Reporting
UAE media follows strict standards:
- No premature date confirmation
- Use of “expected” and “subject to moon sighting”
- Immediate updates after official announcements
This ensures trust, accuracy, and religious respect.
How to Prepare While Waiting for Ramadan Announcement
Residents typically:
- Plan grocery shopping
- Adjust sleep schedules
- Prepare prayer routines
- Schedule charity contributions
- Organize family Iftar plans
Preparation ensures a smooth transition into Ramadan.
Final Update: Ramadan Announcement Awaited
As the UAE awaits the official moon sighting result, the situation remains clear:
Ramadan in the UAE will begin either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, subject to official confirmation.
Residents should follow:
- Official government announcements
- Trusted national media sources
Editor’s Update Instruction (IMPORTANT)
Once the official announcement is made, update ONLY the confirmation line at the top.
As the sun sets over the UAE skyline and anticipation fills the air, millions of residents across the country turn their attention to a centuries-old tradition that marks one of the most spiritually significant moments in the Islamic calendar — the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon.
In Dubai and across the UAE, the announcement of Ramadan is not merely a date on the calendar. It is a moment of unity, reflection, preparation, and cultural transformation. Streets, homes, mosques, and workplaces begin to shift in rhythm, aligning with the sacred spirit of the Holy Month.
This year, as with every year, Ramadan’s start depends on the official moon sighting, and residents are now awaiting confirmation on whether the Holy Month will begin tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.
This article explores everything you need to know about the Ramadan announcement process in the UAE — from moon sighting traditions and official procedures to what residents, businesses, and families can expect once Ramadan is officially declared.
Understanding the Moon Sighting Tradition in Islam
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, and each new month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, known as the hilal. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, begins only when the moon is sighted according to Islamic principles.
This practice dates back more than 1,400 years and remains central to Islamic worship today.
Why Moon Sighting Matters
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic lunar calendar is shorter by approximately 10–11 days each year. As a result:
- Ramadan shifts earlier annually
- The exact start date cannot be fixed in advance
- Official confirmation must follow moon observation
Even with modern astronomical calculations, visual moon sighting remains essential for official declarations in many Muslim countries, including the UAE.
How Ramadan Is Officially Announced in the UAE
In the UAE, the announcement of Ramadan is made following a structured and highly respected process.
The Role of Official Authorities
Relevant religious and judicial committees are responsible for observing the crescent moon on the 29th day of Sha’ban (the month preceding Ramadan). These committees may use:
- Naked-eye observation
- Telescopes
- Astronomical data to support verification
Once the moon sighting is confirmed, the official announcement is made through:
- Government media channels
- National news agencies
- Television and radio broadcasts
- Official social media accounts
Until that announcement is made, Ramadan remains unconfirmed, and media outlets responsibly report it as “expected” or “likely”.
Will Ramadan Begin Tomorrow or the Day After Tomorrow?
As of now, Ramadan is awaiting official confirmation.
Based on lunar observations:
- If the crescent moon is sighted this evening, Ramadan will begin tomorrow
- If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will begin the day after tomorrow, completing 30 days of Sha’ban
This cautious wording is standard practice across UAE media and reflects respect for both religious accuracy and public clarity.
Residents are advised to wait for the official announcement before observing the first fast.
The Atmosphere in Dubai Ahead of Ramadan
Even before the official announcement, Dubai begins to transform.
Visible Changes Across the City
- Ramadan lights and lanterns (fanous) decorate streets and malls
- Supermarkets stock special Ramadan essentials
- Mosques prepare for Taraweeh prayers
- Charity initiatives and donation drives increase
- Restaurants begin adjusting operating hours
The sense of anticipation is unmistakable.
What Happens Once Ramadan Is Officially Announced?
Once Ramadan is confirmed, several immediate changes take effect across the UAE.
1. Fasting Begins
Muslims across the country begin fasting from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), abstaining from:
- Food
- Drink
- Smoking
- Negative behavior
Fasting is not just physical — it is a time for spiritual discipline, patience, and compassion.
2. Prayer Schedules Change
Mosques across Dubai and the UAE adjust prayer timings to include:
- Taraweeh prayers after Isha
- Extended night prayers
- Special Quran recitations
Mosques become community hubs, especially in the evenings.
3. Working Hours Are Reduced
In accordance with UAE labour laws:
- Working hours are reduced for both public and private sector employees
- Flexible schedules are often implemented
- Schools adjust timings during Ramadan
These changes help residents balance work, worship, and family life.
Ramadan Lifestyle in Dubai: Day and Night
Ramadan in Dubai follows a unique rhythm.
During the Day
- Streets are calmer
- Restaurants operate discreetly or remain closed during fasting hours
- Public behavior emphasizes respect and modesty
After Sunset
- The city comes alive
- Iftar gatherings bring families and friends together
- Suhoor tents, cafes, and restaurants remain open late
- Night markets and Ramadan events flourish
Dubai’s Ramadan nights are vibrant, spiritual, and deeply social.
The Importance of Iftar and Suhoor
Iftar: Breaking the Fast
Iftar is traditionally opened with:
- Dates
- Water
This is followed by a full meal, often shared with family or community members.
Across Dubai:
- Mosques host free Iftar meals
- Hotels offer lavish Iftar buffets
- Charity organizations distribute food to those in need
Suhoor: The Pre-Dawn Meal
Suhoor is eaten before dawn to prepare for the fast.
It emphasizes:
- Hydration
- Balanced nutrition
- Sustained energy
Many restaurants and cafes in Dubai remain open late specifically for Suhoor.
Charity and Giving During Ramadan
One of the most powerful aspects of Ramadan in the UAE is the emphasis on generosity.
Acts of Giving Include:
- Zakat (obligatory charity)
- Sadaqah (voluntary charity)
- Food distribution campaigns
- Community support initiatives
Dubai’s spirit of giving during Ramadan reflects the country’s humanitarian values.
Ramadan and Community Harmony in the UAE
The UAE is home to people from over 200 nationalities, and Ramadan is observed with mutual respect.
Non-Muslim residents and visitors:
- Are encouraged to be mindful during fasting hours
- Participate in Iftar gatherings
- Experience Emirati hospitality and traditions
Ramadan strengthens cultural understanding and coexistence.
Media Responsibility During Ramadan Announcements
In the UAE, reporting on Ramadan follows strict ethical and cultural standards.
Before confirmation:
- Media uses phrases such as “expected”, “subject to moon sighting”, or “pending official announcement”
- No fixed dates are published prematurely
Once confirmed:
- News outlets immediately update headlines
- Government sources are cited
- Public advisories are issued
This ensures accuracy and respect for religious practice.
Preparing for Ramadan Before the Official Announcement
While waiting for confirmation, residents typically:
- Plan grocery shopping
- Prepare prayer schedules
- Adjust sleep routines
- Schedule family gatherings
- Finalize charity contributions
This preparation ensures a smooth transition once Ramadan officially begins.
The Spiritual Meaning of Ramadan
Beyond fasting, Ramadan is a time for:
- Self-reflection
- Increased prayer
- Quran recitation
- Forgiveness
- Strengthening family bonds
It is a month dedicated to inner growth and community unity.
What Comes After Ramadan?
Ramadan concludes with the sighting of the Shawwal moon, marking:
- Eid Al Fitr
- A public holiday across the UAE
- Celebrations, prayers, and family visits
Just like Ramadan, Eid is also confirmed through moon sighting.
Final Word: Awaiting the Official Ramadan Announcement
As Dubai and the UAE await the official moon sighting announcement, the message remains clear:
Ramadan will begin either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, subject to official confirmation.
Residents are advised to:
- Follow official government announcements
- Avoid relying on unverified sources
- Prepare spiritually and practically
Once the crescent moon is sighted and the announcement is made, the Holy Month of Ramadan will officially begin — ushering in a time of peace, reflection, and unity for millions across the UAE.
Editor’s Note
Once the official announcement is made, update only the confirmation line at the top of this article.
No other changes are required.
