Overview
- The Emirates Astronomical Society expects Ramadan to begin on Thursday, February 19, with February 18 possible if the crescent is sighted on February 17.
- Fasting durations in the UAE are projected to start at roughly 12 hours 45 minutes and rise to about 13 hours 30 minutes by month’s end, shorter than in 2025.
- Week-by-week timetables indicate an opening fast of around 12 hours 46 minutes and late-month peaks near 13 hours 27 minutes as fajr and maghrib times shift.
- Working hours are typically reduced for public and private sectors during Ramadan, with this year’s schedule to be announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and last year serving as the reference for shorter days.
- Most restaurants plan to operate and serve iftar, while eating, drinking and smoking in many public spaces during daylight is restricted, and loud live music is generally paused.