Ramadan marks the start of the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

Ramadan 2026 is here. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia moon-sighting committee have announced that the first day of Ramadan will be Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court and the UAE Moon-sighting Committee sought the crescent moon and have announced that the Holy Month would officially begin in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Working hours during Ramadan

Ramadan 2026 will also allow for shorter working hours in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that working days should not exceed six hours.

The UAE has also declared reduced working hours during the Holy Month. UAE labour law states that, during Ramadan, the private sector will operate on reduced hours. Regardless of whether the employee is Muslim or fasting, the working day will be reduced by two hours. Public sector working hours have also been reduced. From Monday to Thursday, employees will work from 9am to 2.30pm, while on Fridays, working hours will be 9am to 12pm, except for roles where operational requirements dictate otherwise. 

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, normally lasting 29 or 30 days. It marks the time when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed, PBUH. During the month, Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset. The last ten days of the month coincide with Laylat Al Qadr.

Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, 20 March 2026. The exact date will also be confirmed by the moon sighting committee. Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and the dates have not yet been confirmed. Muslims around the world celebrate the holiday with prayers, meals, and gifts.