Ramadan transforms Dubai into a city of colour and light. Streets, neighbourhoods, and cultural landmarks come alive, dressed in vibrant hues that reflect the warmth, generosity, and timeless spirit of the holy month. With pleasant evenings and mild temperatures, it’s the perfect time to step out and enjoy the city’s unique seasonal experiences.
Nights in Dubai during Ramadan are filled with activity. From dazzling fireworks and mesmerizing drone shows to traditional majlis, iftars, and starlit suhoors, there’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy with family and friends. This year, as part of the Season of WULFA, a cultural initiative highlighting Emirati values of kinship and community, Dubai’s neighbourhoods, markets, and cultural landmarks will be illuminated in jewel tones, gold accents, and vibrant modern patterns.
Here’s a guide to the most spectacular displays and light-based activities to enjoy this Ramadan.
Ramadan Fireworks
Souq Al Seef will light up nightly with a fireworks display from 19 February to 19 March, starting at 9.30pm. The dazzling pyrotechnics add a festive sparkle to Dubai’s charming waterfront, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. Families and visitors alike can gather along the promenade to watch the skies ignite in celebration of the holy month.
Ramadan Drone Shows and Cannon-Firing
At Festival Bay in Dubai Festival City, a nightly drone show begins at 10.30pm, painting the sky in vibrant technicolour patterns. These immersive displays combine innovation and tradition, giving visitors a unique visual experience.
The drone shows are paired with the firing of the traditional Ramadan cannon, a long-standing Emirati custom signalling iftar time. The cannon is discharged with blank cartridges at cultural landmarks, and its echo carries across the city, marking the moment for breaking the day’s fast. For those new to Dubai, witnessing this blend of tradition and spectacle is a must.
Ramadan Reflections – Light Projections
For a more contemplative experience, visitors can enjoy Ramadan Reflections, a projection-mapping initiative that brings some of Dubai’s most iconic mosques and buildings to life. Geometric patterns, crescent moons, stars, and calligraphic greetings flow across façades, illuminated in colours inspired by the Season of WULFA—deep purples, warm oranges, teals, and gold.
Mosques featuring projections include:
- Zaabeel Mosque
- Hudaiba Mosque
- Al Habai Mosque
- Jumeirah Mosque
- Sheikh Rashid Al Makhtoum Mosque in Business Bay
- Dubai Harbour (Dubai Marina Masjid)
- Al Rashidiya Mosque
- Musabbeh Al-Fattan Mosque on Sheikh Zayed Road
In addition to mosques, colourful projections can also be seen on the Intercontinental Building at Dubai Festival City Mall and heritage buildings throughout Souq Al Seef. Whether it’s the soft glow of a crescent moon across a mosque or intricate geometric patterns on heritage structures, the light projections bring a new dimension to Dubai’s cultural landmarks.
Experiencing Ramadan in Dubai
Dubai’s Ramadan experiences are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavours of the season. Break your fast by the water as fireworks and drone shows light up the night sky, or stroll through cultural districts to marvel at illuminated mosques and heritage buildings.
Ramadan in Dubai blends tradition with innovation. Majlis gatherings, starlit suhoors, and evening activities highlight the values of generosity, community, and family, while modern cultural initiatives like the Season of WULFA showcase the city’s creativity and vibrant spirit.
From watching fireworks at Souq Al Seef to exploring projection-mapped mosques across the city, Dubai offers a Ramadan experience unlike any other. The combination of festive lights, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities makes it a perfect time to explore the city after sunset.
Practical Information
- Fireworks at Souq Al Seef: 19 February – 19 March, nightly at 9.30pm
- Drone Shows at Festival Bay: nightly at 10.30pm, with Ramadan cannon firing
- Ramadan Reflections Light Projections: Zaabeel Mosque, Hudaiba Mosque, Al Habai Mosque, Jumeirah Mosque, Sheikh Rashid Al Makhtoum Mosque, Dubai Marina Masjid, Al Rashidiya Mosque, Musabbeh Al-Fattan Mosque, Intercontinental Building, Souq Al Seef
Whether it’s your first Ramadan in Dubai or a returning visitor, witnessing these displays is a way to connect with both tradition and modernity, capturing the festive energy of the city.
Dubai’s Ramadan season is also about rest, reflection, and family. Evenings are ideal for enjoying iftar by the water, walking along lit-up streets, or participating in cultural initiatives. Each display—from fireworks to drone shows, to mosque projections—reflects the city’s celebration of community, generosity, and heritage.
To keep up with Ramadan events, cultural initiatives, and other seasonal experiences in Dubai, visitors can follow local guides, sign up for newsletters, and explore key locations to make the most of the holy month.
FAQs – Ramadan 2026 in Dubai
Ramadan 2026 in Dubai begins in February, with key cultural events and displays running throughout the month.
Fireworks light up Souq Al Seef nightly from 19 February to 19 March at 9.30pm.
Yes, Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City hosts nightly drone shows at 10.30pm, paired with the firing of the traditional Ramadan cannon.
Projection-mapping experiences transform mosques and cultural landmarks with crescent moons, stars, geometric patterns, and WULFA-inspired colours.
Highlights include Zaabeel Mosque, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Marina Masjid, Sheikh Rashid Al Makhtoum Mosque, and heritage buildings at Souq Al Seef.
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