Here are estimated Ramadan 2026 dates for your diary.
Ramadan 2026 is returning soon, and authorities in the UAE have shared estimated start dates. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has released projected dates for both Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr 2026.
The month of fasting, reflection, and giving is approaching. Although the dates depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, early astronomical predictions provide an indication of the start date.
According to Dubai’s IACAD Hijri to Gregorian Date Conversion tool, Ramadan is expected to start between 17 and 19 February 2026, with the first day most likely to fall on Thursday 19 February 2026.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Muslims around the world observe the fast, beginning each day at dawn and ending at sunset, abstaining from both food and drink. It lasts for 29 or 30 days and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This makes it a deeply spiritual time for the Muslim community. Observers confirm the start of all Hijri months only once they sight the crescent moon.
Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), one of the holiest nights in Islam, falls within the last ten days of Ramadan. In 2026, it is expected to fall on the evening of Tuesday 17 March 2026. Muslims regard this night as a time for deep prayer and seeking forgiveness.
Authorities expect Ramadan to end on Thursday 19 March 2026. The month will last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon sighting. The end of Ramadan marks Eid Al-Fitr, the festival that celebrates the completion of fasting. Authorities in the UAE estimate that Eid Al-Fitr 2026 will begin on Friday 20 March. This signals the start of the country’s first long weekend of the year. The authorities could extend the holiday depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
All dates mentioned are based on current astronomical predictions. The UAE Moon-Sighting Committee will announce the official dates, and the UAE government confirms public holidays.
GO: Visit https://www.iacad.gov.ae for more information.