Ramadan 2026 is less than 40 days away, and for many residents and visitors to the United Arab Emirates, preparations are already beginning. The official dates traditionally depend on the sighting of the moon and are confirmed by local religious authorities just before the start. However, based on astronomical predictions and local calendars, we have a clear overview of what you can expect in 2026.
Ramadan in 2026 runs from mid-February to mid-March
The official Ramadan dates are now known. Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, 19 February (subject to moon sighting) and end on 18 March 2026.
Traditionally, an Islamic month begins at sunset on the day the new crescent moon is sighted, so the exact dates may still shift slightly depending on the moon’s visibility just before Ramadan starts.
What does this mean for shops, cinemas and restaurants?
During Ramadan, the daily routine in Dubai changes, including the opening hours of public facilities and entertainment venues. Based on previous years, visitors and residents can roughly expect the following:
Malls and shopping areas
- City Centre Mirdif and Deira City Centre: 10:00 – 01:00, restaurants until approximately 02:00.
- Dubai Festival City Mall: 10:00 – midnight, restaurants until approximately 01:00.
- City Walk: 10:00 – midnight, restaurants until approximately 01:00.
- The Beach JBR: 10:00 – 01:00.
- Most other malls: open until midnight on weekdays, later on weekends.
Restaurants remain open during the day for non-fasters and offer special iftar menus at sunset, while many venues may have suhoor service until 02:00 – 03:00 for late-night dining after the fast-breaking meal.
Cinemas
Cinemas such as VOX, Reel and Roxy often open only around 13:00 – 14:00 and have evening screenings that continue until approximately 02:00 – 03:00, with the most popular shows after iftar (from around 19:00).
Tips for visitors and residents during Ramadan
The quietest periods in shopping centres are often late morning (10:00 – 12:00) and later in the evening (23:00 – 01:00). The busiest times are directly after iftar (approximately 19:00 – 21:00). Parking at malls and popular areas can fill up quickly around iftar and early evening. Consult individual mall websites or hospitality venues just before Ramadan for definitive opening hours, as these can vary slightly each year.
Why Ramadan in 2026 will feel different
Ramadan beginning in mid-February means fasting takes place during the transition from winter to spring, with shorter daylight hours and relatively cool mornings and evenings compared to summer months. This makes the fasting hours lighter and more manageable for many people than when Ramadan falls in the middle of summer.
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