During Ramadan 2026, Muslims in Dubai will fast for approximately 13 hours per day, based on official prayer timings. Observing the start and end of the fast is guided by the daily prayers, with Fajr marking the start and Maghrib signaling the end.
Understanding Fajr and Suhoor
The first prayer of the day, Fajr, occurs just before sunrise. It also marks the start of the daily fast. On the first weekend of Ramadan, Fajr will be at 5:31am, meaning the fast begins slightly before this time.
Before Fajr, Muslims eat suhoor, a pre-dawn meal to provide energy for the day ahead. This meal can include a variety of traditional dishes, from dates and yogurt to breads, eggs, and juices.
Breaking the Fast: Maghrib and Iftar
The fast is broken at Maghrib, the prayer after sunset. On the first weekend of Ramadan 2026 in Dubai, Maghrib timings are:
- Friday, February 20 (Ramadan 3): 6:19pm
- Saturday, February 21 (Ramadan 4): 6:20pm
- Sunday, February 22 (Ramadan 5): 6:20pm
Iftar, the meal eaten at Maghrib, is a central part of Ramadan. Families, friends, and communities come together to break their fast, often starting with dates and water, followed by a larger meal of soups, salads, mains, and desserts.
Daily Prayer Timetable During Ramadan 2026
Prayer times shift slightly each day based on the sunrise and sunset. Below is a snapshot of Dubai’s official prayer schedule for the first ten days of Ramadan:
| Day | Gregorian Date | Hijri Date | Fajr | Suhoor | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Feb 20 | Ramadan 3 | 5:32am | 6:46am | 12:35pm | 3:50pm | 6:19pm | 7:33pm |
| Saturday | Feb 21 | Ramadan 4 | 5:31am | 6:45am | 12:35pm | 3:51pm | 6:20pm | 7:34pm |
| Sunday | Feb 22 | Ramadan 5 | 5:31am | 6:45am | 12:35pm | 3:51pm | 6:20pm | 7:34pm |
| Monday | Feb 23 | Ramadan 6 | 5:30am | 6:44am | 12:35pm | 3:51pm | 6:21pm | 7:35pm |
| Tuesday | Feb 24 | Ramadan 7 | 5:29am | 6:43am | 12:35pm | 3:51pm | 6:21pm | 7:35pm |
| Wednesday | Feb 25 | Ramadan 8 | 5:28am | 6:42am | 12:35pm | 3:52pm | 6:22pm | 7:36pm |
| Thursday | Feb 26 | Ramadan 9 | 5:27am | 6:41am | 12:35pm | 3:52pm | 6:22pm | 7:36pm |
| Friday | Feb 27 | Ramadan 10 | 5:27am | 6:40am | 12:34pm | 3:52pm | 6:23pm | 7:37pm |
| Saturday | Feb 28 | Ramadan 11 | 5:26am | 6:39am | 12:34pm | 3:52pm | 6:24pm | 7:37pm |
| Sunday | Mar 1 | Ramadan 12 | 5:26am | 6:39am | 12:34pm | 3:52pm | 6:24pm | 7:37pm |
These times continue to adjust gradually throughout the month as the sun rises earlier and sets later.
Why Muslims Fast During Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and serves both spiritual and physical purposes. The fast is intended to increase self-discipline, cultivate humility, and encourage empathy for those less fortunate.
Beyond abstaining from food and drink, fasting is also about self-reflection, prayer, and personal growth. Many Muslims use Ramadan as a time to detox, spiritually recharge, and strengthen their connection to God.
Suhoor and Iftar Around Dubai
Dubai offers a rich array of dining experiences during Ramadan. From traditional meals to modern culinary interpretations, residents and visitors can enjoy:
- Suhoor: Early-morning meals at hotels, restaurants, and Ramadan tents. Options range from full à la carte spreads to light bites with traditional flavors.
- Iftar: Breaking the fast at sunset, often with dates, water, soups, salads, mains, and desserts. Many restaurants offer special Ramadan buffets or set menus for a festive experience.
Mosques in Dubai play a key role during Ramadan, broadcasting the call to prayer five times a day. During the holy month, these calls also signal the start and end of fasting hours, helping communities maintain consistency in observance.
Ramadan Calendar and Lunar Cycle
The Hijri calendar, based on lunar cycles, means Ramadan is 29 or 30 days long and shifts about 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. This causes fasting durations to vary depending on the season.
Fasting hours differ globally, so visitors should always check local prayer schedules. For example, someone visiting from Abu Dhabi should note the Dubai-specific timings to accurately observe suhoor and iftar.
Final Notes
Ramadan is a month of reflection, self-discipline, and togetherness. Following the official prayer times ensures that fasting is observed correctly, while the culinary traditions of suhoor and iftar bring communities together.
Whether in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere, these rituals remain central to the experience of Ramadan, blending spirituality with local culture and hospitality.
FAQs – Ramadan 2026 Iftar in Dubai
Iftar begins at Maghrib, around 6:19–6:32pm, depending on the date. Check daily prayer schedules for accuracy
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before Fajr, the first prayer of the day. In 2026, it starts around 5:08–5:32am.
Fasting lasts roughly 13 hours per day, from suhoor before sunrise to iftar at sunset.
Yes, iftar and suhoor times shift a few minutes daily as sunrise and sunset times change across the month.
Many restaurants, hotels, and Ramadan tents offer special buffets, set menus, and traditional meals for iftar.
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