One of the most important and anticipated times of the year in Dubai is just around the corner. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, is expected to begin soon, with astronomers predicting a start date of Thursday February 19, 2026. However, despite these forecasts, the official confirmation in the UAE has not yet been announced.
In Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates, the start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. This means that no matter how accurate astronomical calculations may be, the official beginning of the holy month is only confirmed after the UAE Moon Sighting Committee meets and makes a formal declaration.
Why is there no official confirmation yet?
Ramadan is one of several Islamic occasions that follow the Hijri calendar, which is based on lunar cycles rather than the Gregorian calendar. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Because lunar months are either 29 or 30 days long, the exact start date of Ramadan depends on whether the moon is visible on a specific evening.
This year, astronomers have indicated that the crescent moon marking the end of Shaban (the month preceding Ramadan) is unlikely to be visible in the UAE on the evening of Tuesday February 17. If that proves correct, Shaban will complete 30 days, and Ramadan will begin the following day, Thursday February 19.
Neighbouring Oman has already confirmed Thursday February 19 as the first day of Ramadan, after its Main Committee for Moon Sighting announced that astronomical data showed the crescent would set before sunset on February 17, making sighting impossible. However, the UAE conducts its own independent moon sighting process and will not rely solely on another country’s declaration.
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When will the UAE confirm the start date?
Dubai residents will know for certain on the evening of Tuesday February 17, when the UAE Moon Sighting Committee convenes to observe the crescent moon.
There are two possible outcomes:
- If Shaban is 29 days long, Ramadan would begin on Wednesday February 18.
- If Shaban completes 30 days, Ramadan would begin on Thursday February 19.
Based on astronomical predictions, the second scenario is considered far more likely this year. Still, the official announcement will only come after religious authorities confirm whether the moon has been sighted.
Until that announcement is made, residents are advised to treat February 19 as the probable start date, while remaining aware that final confirmation is pending.
What Ramadan means for Dubai
Once Ramadan begins, daily life in Dubai takes on a different rhythm. Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr prayer) until sunset (Maghrib prayer), abstaining from food and drink throughout daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset with iftar, often beginning with dates and water, followed by a larger meal shared with family and friends.
Across the city, hotels and restaurants prepare special iftar and suhoor menus. Lavish Ramadan tents and majlis appear at beachfront resorts, cultural landmarks and luxury hotels. Many venues stay open late into the night, as social life shifts to post-sunset hours.
Working hours for both public and private sector employees are reduced during the holy month, and malls typically extend their evening operating times. The atmosphere becomes more reflective and community-focused, with an emphasis on charity, generosity and togetherness.
What happens after Ramadan?
Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, again depending on moon sighting. Its conclusion is marked by Eid Al Fitr, a major Islamic holiday celebrated with prayers, family gatherings and several days off work.
As with the start of Ramadan, the exact date of Eid Al Fitr will only be confirmed once the next crescent moon is sighted.
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The countdown begins
For now, all eyes are on the evening of February 17. While predictions strongly suggest that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday February 19 in Dubai and across the UAE, residents must wait for the official confirmation from the Moon Sighting Committee.
Until then, preparations are already underway across the city, as Dubai gets ready to welcome one of its most meaningful and transformative months of the year
FAQs
The official start date of Ramadan 2026 in Dubai will be confirmed on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, after the UAE Moon Sighting Committee meets. Astronomers predict it will likely begin on Thursday, February 19.
Ramadan follows the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar, meaning the month begins only after the crescent moon is sighted. Until the UAE Moon Sighting Committee confirms visibility, the date remains unofficial.
Technically, yes. If the month of Shaban lasts 29 days, Ramadan could begin on Wednesday, February 18. However, astronomers say this is highly unlikely this year.
The UAE Moon Sighting Committee observes the crescent moon at the end of Shaban. If the moon is visible, Ramadan begins the next day. If not, Shaban completes 30 days.
Eid Al Fitr will be confirmed near the end of Ramadan, once the next crescent moon is sighted. The holiday date depends on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
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