Ramadan 2026 UAE - Dates, Fasting Hours & Travel Tips

The holy month of Ramadan is one of the crucial times of the year for Muslims in the UAE and other parts of the world. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and is observed by people through prayer, charity, fasting, and spiritual reflection. Ramadan 2026 UAE is expected to be from 17th February to 19th March, 2026, and it all depends on the moon sighting. 

As Ramadan begins, mornings are marked by serenity, and evenings are enhanced with unity as people gather for Iftar and Taraweeh prayers.  From the peaceful environment to the vibrant nights, Ramadan in the UAE balances modern life with traditional values. For both tourists and locals, this month offers a unique cultural experience, making Ramadan travel to Dubai memorable. 

This guide covers important dates, phases, fasting hours, travel tips, top places to visit after Iftar, shopping, dining offers, and other festive preparations. 

Ramadan 2026 Dates & Key Phases (start & end).

Ramadan dates UAE 2026 are expected to start from 17th February and end on 19th March, 2026, subject to moon sighting. The start of Ramadan is the first day of fasting from dawn to sunset. After the mid-Ramadan reflection, a key phase is Laylat al-Qadr, which is in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, and this phase is known as the night of power. The end phase of Ramadan 2026 in the UAE is Eid al-Fitr, the final day of fasting. 

Fasting Hours Across Emirates

The fasting hours in the UAE 2026 during Ramadan are around 12 to 13 hours, while from mid to the end of Ramadan, the fasting hours are approximately 13 to 14 hours. 

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts During Ramadan.

There are certain Ramadan rules UAE that you must focus on, as managing the cultural etiquette is essential. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts during Ramadan 2026 in the UAE: -

Do’s:-

1. Dress Modestly: During Ramadan, you must wear conservative clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, as it shows respect. 
2. Learn Ramadan Greetings: For embracing culture and showing respect, you should learn common greetings of the festival, such as Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem. 
3. Accept invitations to Iftar: If you received an invitation to an iftar meal, it is a great opportunity to experience Emirati hospitality and learn about different Ramadan culture and traditions. 

Don’ts: -

1. Eating or drinking in public: During the fasting hours or before sunset, you should not eat or drink in public, as it is considered disrespectful. If you are a non-faster, then you should eat or drink in the restaurants or designated spaces. 
2. Playing loud music: Don’t play loud music in public areas, as Ramadan is a time of prayer and reflection. 

Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting During Ramadan

When visiting the UAE during Ramadan 2026, you should follow certain tips to have a fulfilling travel experience. The travel tips are highlighted below: -

1. Don’t eat or drink in public, as it is not respectful and is against the law. 
2. You should learn the local laws and the rules related to religious practices, which you must follow during Ramadan. 
3. Dress conservatively, and both men and women should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. 
4. During the prayer times, maintain silence and lower the volume of the electronic devices. 

Top Places to Visit After Iftar: Ramadan tents, night markets, mosques

Celebrating Ramadan in the UAE, there are various places you must visit, like the tents, night markets, mosques, and others. 

1. Ramadan Tents: After Iftar, one of the top destinations that you must visit is the Ramadan tents. These places are famous for Iftar and Suhoor meals, blended with Arabian hospitality and spiritual gatherings. 
2. Night Markets: In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, night markets and nightclubs are open, allowing you to enjoy shopping or enjoy the musical and dance performances. 
3. Mosques: For a peaceful and charming experience after Iftar, you should visit the mosques, like Jumeirah musque and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 

Shopping and Dining Offers During Ramadan

During Ramadan, you can enjoy a wide range of discounts on shopping and dining across the UAE. Many businesses present effective Ramadan promotions, right from shopping discounts to hotel deals. This is the best time to visit the UAE while enjoying exceptional offers. During Ramadan 2026, visitors can enjoy the best deals related to fashion, home decor, gifts, electronics, and others. Apart from this, exciting offers are provided on iftar meals across the city. 

Eid al-Fitr Preparation & Public Holiday Transition.

As Ramadan reaches to the end, the preparation for Eid al-Fitr begins. Families shop for new clothes, gifts, festive sweets, and attend the special events, like concerts that feature cultural performances. Apart from this, charity plays an important role during the Eid al-Fitr holiday through Zakat al-Fitr. For both the public and private companies, the UAE government allows a public holiday and takes a break. 

FAQs

Q1. Can tourists eat in public during Ramadan in Dubai?

Ans. No, tourists cannot eat in public during daylight hours, as they should show respect to all the fasters. 

Q2. What time is iftar in the UAE in 2026?

Ans. The time of iftar in the UAE is 6:18 PM at the start of Ramadan.