The first day of Ramadan 1447 AH began on , following verified sightings of the crescent moon across the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The observance marks a period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide.
The Presidential Court of the UAE officially confirmed the start of Ramadan, prompting adjustments to daily life across the Emirates. Similar announcements were made in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, aligning the three nations in the commencement of the holy month. While the start date is consistent across these key regional players, variations may occur in other countries dependent on local moon sightings, reflecting the lunar calendar’s influence on Ramadan’s timing globally.
UAE Timings for the First Day of Ramadan
For residents of Dubai and the wider UAE, the fast commenced well before sunrise. The spiritual discipline of abstaining from food and drink began with Imsak at , followed immediately by the start of the fast with Fajr prayers at . The day’s schedule continues with Dhuhr prayers at , Asr prayers at , and culminates with Maghrib prayers – marking the end of the fast, or Iftar – at , followed by Isha prayers at .
| Prayer/Event | Time (Dubai) |
| Imsak (Stop Eating) | |
| Fajr (Start Fast) | |
| Sunrise | |
| Dhuhr | |
| Asr | |
| Maghrib (Iftar) | |
| Isha |
Authorities anticipate increased traffic congestion as the time for Iftar approaches, urging drivers to exercise caution during the pre-sunset rush. Work hours have been adjusted in both the public and private sectors to accommodate families gathering for the breaking of the fast, traditionally with dates and Arabic coffee. The period between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM is expected to be particularly busy on the roads.
Beyond the observance of fasting, Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual activity. Following the Isha prayer, mosques throughout the UAE will host Taraweeh, special nightly prayers performed exclusively during Ramadan. From the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to smaller community mosques, these prayers represent a central pillar of the month’s religious observance. Malls and specially erected Ramadan tents will also remain open late into the night, offering a blend of worship, community gatherings, and commercial activity.
The Emirates Astronomical Society has noted that this year’s Ramadan is expected to be a “Winter Ramadan,” with fasting hours initially around 12 hours and 45 minutes, gradually increasing as the month progresses towards spring. This relatively moderate duration is expected to make the fast more manageable for residents and worshippers.
While the timings provided are based on astronomical calculations for Dubai, residents in Abu Dhabi should adjust timings by adding approximately four minutes, while those in Fujairah can subtract around four minutes, accounting for geographical variations in sunrise and sunset times across the seven emirates. The slight differences in Imsak and Iftar times between emirates are due to each location’s specific geographic position and the angle of the sun.
Ramadan is a period of increased charitable giving and community solidarity. Across the UAE, initiatives are underway to support those in need, providing meals and assistance to vulnerable populations. The spirit of the season emphasizes compassion, generosity, and a shared sense of faith.
