Ramadan in the UAE is always a moment people look forward to, spiritually, socially, and culturally. It transforms daily life, reshapes routines, and brings with it a sense of reflection and community that defines the entire month. As the anticipation builds for the upcoming holy period, many residents and visitors have already begun adjusting plans, schedules, and travel needs in preparation for the new cycle of fasting and worship.
As the holy month approaches, the 2026 Ramadan date in the UAE is believed to start on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This article is about what to do if you're fasting, daily routine, and timing, and it also covers some handy preparation tips, both practical and spiritual. It also highlights how Beno’s car rentals offer an easy way to go about commuting and travel during Ramadan 2026 in the UAE.
When is Ramadan 2026 Starting?
This right here is a million-dollar question, and officials in the UAE and local astronomical forecasts indicate opening on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Moon sighting charts do indicate that the crescent may first be visible on the evening of February 18, but the final decision remains with the official moon-sighting committee; therefore, it could shift by one day. February 19 provides a solid anchor for planning by residents and visitors alike, if you need a ballpark date.
What Does that Mean for Daily Living?
Throughout the month, the required hours of fasting will vary: shorter daylight hours at the beginning, with gradually longer days toward spring. Many schools, workplaces, and government offices work on shorter hours or adjust shifts to accommodate fasting. Generally speaking, one needs to plan around work, personal commitments, and travel.
Is this Your First Ramadan?
Well, if you are new to the UAE or this will be your first time observing Ramadan, let us break down a few things for you. First and foremost, welcome, you are in for one of the best rituals ever, and this month is just amazing. Ramadan is about abstention from food and drink, but its heart is contemplation, spiritual renewal, community, charity, and family. As Ramadan approaches, daily routines often bend in observance in the UAE.
Suhoor: This is a pre-dawn meal; after this, at Fajr time, the dawn prayer starts the fast.
Iftar: Breaking of the fast at sunset starts with dates and water, and continues with a meal with the family. Dubai has a lot of amazing Iftar spots you can try out with your loved ones during this Ramadan.
The month is also characterised by night prayers, community gatherings, charity, and a general slow pace.
Work and school schedules are often adjusted to fit fasting and daylight hours.
Locals are very friendly, and this entire month is like a long celebration, so make sure to look out for festivities, and if you can be part of some communal ones, the experience will be unmatched.
Timing, Holidays and Celebrations: What to Expect in 2026
As Ramadan approaches, many residents and visitors begin planning, making it essential to understand the key dates, public holidays, and overall timeline for the month.
A rough calendar forecast (subject to moon sighting): Start of Ramadan 2026: Thursday, February 19, 2026 (subject to favourable weather conditions that would enable the sighting)
Ramadan is 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon.
Eid al-Fitr (the beginning of Shawwal) would likely fall on Friday, March 20, 2026. Eid al-Fitr activities you can enjoy with family in Dubai include yacht cruises, shopping, desert safaris and much more.
Public holidays/ long weekend, first three days of Shawwal Eid holidays; may extend if lunar sighting changes.
Note: Final 2026 Ramadan date confirmation is with the official moon sighting committee.
How Ramadan Alters Life in the UAE
Ramadan stands for mercy, compassion, and growth within family and shared humanity. Beloved UAE with so much diversity becomes a stage where all of these virtues are shared, be part of this beautiful month the way you can and understand the following to adjust better;
Daily life: Shops and restaurants usually cut down on the number of hours they stay open; offices may be closed a little earlier than usual. People who are exempt from fasting may find this early closure or delays in services very inconvenient.
Traffic/Commuting: Driving pattern changes. People often change their hours or try to avoid peak times before Iftar.
Social and familial rhythms: Iftar-Suhoor meals, the prayers, charity, and visits create the communal tempo that defines everyday pace.
Public holidays and services: The government and most of the private offices run on shorter schedules; schools may adjust timetables.
Pro Tip: We want you to understand that this is very important. Please don’t ask questions like ‘Not even water?’ Yes, dear readers, when you are fasting, you can’t even have water; this is not a crime, but it will definitely fetch you a deep sigh.
Tips to Keep in Mind & How to Prepare
Follow official moon-sighting announcements for the 2026 Ramadan date; it can shift a day according to visibility and approval by a committee. Lessen the fasting hours a few days starting out; as days get longer, you can start aligning your schedule with sunrise and sunset.
Social-Communal Awareness: observe etiquette for iftar/suhoor; perform prayer; and approach work, travel, and shared living with grace.
Project with some slack: smaller commutes or journeys on non-peak times before the sun sets, a little extra time for the unexpected.
Stay hydrated, stay safe: if one is to drive or travel in hot midday hours, comfort must be ensured for all.
Ramadan 2026 promises to be a month of spiritual retrospection, social bonding, and changed daily times in the UAE.
Starting on the possible date of February 19, this leaves enough space for personal, spiritual, and practical preparation.
How Beno Can Make Ramadan Easier
Flexible transportation is certainly a blessing when days get shorter, the hours shift, and so does the traffic. Beno offers flexible car rentals to meet changing commuting and travel requirements during Ramadan.
Be it parties, running errands, or religious duties, Beno's vehicles take away the stress with easy booking. This Ramadan, Beno is not only for residents but also for visitors who enjoy their time in the UAE with on-demand rides that require no ownership or long-term rental commitments.
In short, Beno adds flexibility to your Ramadan plans and allows for easy adjustments in case of schedule change, hence allowing for smooth mobility. Be it flexible local errands that you are managing, visits to relatives, or adjusting schedules, Beno can provide convenience and reliability.
Wishing peace, reflection, and a deeper connection to everybody observing and supporting this journey.
Ramadan Mubarak!
FAQs
Thursday, February 19, 2026, subject to moon sighting.
- How many hours will people be fasting?
Approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes at the beginning and slightly increasing toward the end.
- When is Eid al-Fitr 2026?
If Ramadan lasts for 29 days, Eid is likely on Friday, March 20, 2026, and if 30 days, on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
- Will working hours be affected during Ramadan?
Yes, most offices operate on shorter hours. Schools and some businesses may adjust their services or completely suspend them.
- How do I get official Ramadan dates?
Follow the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee announcements and official channels. The start is set with actual sighting and not just based on astronomy.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com