Ramadan 1447 AH Officially Begins in Dubai, UAE
The crescent has been sighted. And with that quiet confirmation in the evening sky, the UAE has officially welcomed Ramadan 2026. On Tuesday evening in Abu Dhabi, the moon-sighting committee convened under the authority of the UAE Presidential Court and the UAE Council for Fatwa. Based on verified t
The crescent has been sighted.
And with that quiet confirmation in the evening sky, the UAE has officially welcomed Ramadan 2026.
On Tuesday evening in Abu Dhabi, the moon-sighting committee convened under the authority of the UAE Presidential Court and the UAE Council for Fatwa. Based on verified testimony confirming the sighting of the Ramadan crescent on 29th Shaaban 1447 AH (February 17, 2026), the announcement was made: Wednesday, February 18, marks the first day of the holy month in the country. In matters like these, the UAE follows a structured religious and legal framework — one that blends tradition, scholarship, and state authority.
If you’re visiting Dubai during Ramadan in 2026, read this
Ramadan 2026 Officially Begins on February 18 in UAE
The decision is clear.
Following the confirmed crescent moon sighting, Ramadan 1447 AH will begin across the UAE on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
In its official statement, the Presidential Court extended congratulations to:
- Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- The Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates
- Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, and the people of the UAE
““On this blessed occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes…””
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), particularly remembered during Laylat Al Qadr in the final ten nights.
Astronomical forecasts had indicated the possibility of a 29-day month this year — though, as always, the conclusion of Ramadan will depend on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
What Does 1447 AH Mean?
When you read “Ramadan 1447 AH,” you are not looking at the Islamic calendar, instead of the Gregorian calendar (the one we use in day to day life).
- AH stands for Anno Hegirae — “the year of the Hijra.”
- It marks the migration of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. That migration is the starting point of the Islamic lunar calendar.
“Ramadan 2026 corresponds to Ramadan 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar.”
A few important distinctions:
- The Islamic calendar is lunar, not solar.
- It has 12 months, like the Gregorian calendar.
- Each month lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on moon sighting.
- A lunar year is about 10–11 days shorter than a solar year.
That is why Ramadan shifts earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Key Dates for Ramadan 2026 in Dubai, UAE
With the crescent officially sighted, here is how the month is expected to unfold:
| Event | Date (Expected/Confirmed) |
|---|---|
| 1st Day of Ramadan | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| 27th Night (Likely Laylat Al Qadr) | Around March 16, 2026 |
| Expected Last Day of Ramadan (29 days forecast) | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| Expected Eid Al Fitr | Friday, March 20, 2026* |
*Subject to Shawwal crescent sighting confirmation.
Astronomical forecasts suggest Ramadan may be 29 days this year, but as always, the final day depends on official moon sighting.
Ramadan in Dubai 2026:
When Ramadan begins, Dubai changes tone.
The streets light up with crescent motifs and lanterns. The air feels calmer. Conversations slow. And then, at sunset, the city comes alive.
Evenings Built Around Iftar: At Maghrib, families gather to break their fast, traditionally with dates and water.
Across Dubai:
- Hotels host elaborate iftar buffets
- Community mosques serve free meals
- Ramadan tents and majlis spaces fill with shared tables and Arabic coffee
Traditional dishes like harees, machboos and luqaimat return to dining tables.
Nights of Prayer and Giving: Mosques such as Jumeirah Mosque and Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque see large congregations for Taraweeh prayers. The final ten nights carry special weight, as worshippers seek Laylat Al Qadr.
“In Dubai, Ramadan becomes a visible reminder that generosity and celebration can exist in the same space.”
The Significance of Ramadan in the Islamic Calendar
Ramadan is not simply a month of fasting.
It is regarded as the holiest period in Islam… a time of reflection, discipline, and generosity.
Key elements that define the month:
- Fasting (Sawm): From dawn to sunset
- Night prayers (Taraweeh): Held daily at mosques
- Laylat Al Qadr: Observed in the last ten nights
- Zakat: Obligatory charity calculated based on wealth
The month lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. The UAE adheres to official moon-sighting procedures, reinforcing both religious authenticity and national unity.
As the crescent ushers in Ramadan 2026, the country enters a period marked by stillness at sunrise and celebration after sunset — a duality that defines this month every year.
The sky has spoken. And the month of reflection has begun.
