The holy month of Ramadan begins…
Tonight, the committee met at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Emirates Fatwa Council.
The moon has been sighted and Ramadan is officially here, and it will begin tomorrow 18 February in the UAE, as confirmed this evening by the UAE Council for Fatwa.
A time of fasting, reflection and spiritual reset, Ramadan is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar. As Ramadan begins, we’re wishing everyone observing a very blessed Ramadan Kareem – may it be a month filled with peace, togetherness and plenty of good food at sunrise and sunset.
What is Ramadan?
It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It’s a time when Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset.
Lasting around a month, it marks the time when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Extra tarawih prayers are performed and each evening 1/30th of the holy book is recited. By the end, many observers have read the entire Qur’an.
Ramadan timings and working hours
With the first day now confirmed, fasting will begin at Fajr (the pre-dawn prayer) and end at Maghrib (sunset prayer) each day.
As always, working hours across the UAE are reduced for the holy month. Both public and private sector employees can expect shorter office days, while schools, government departments and many businesses adjust their schedules in line with Ramadan timings.
If you’re planning meetings, dinners or errands, it’s worth keeping those revised hours in mind.
Also read: UAE announces reduced working hours for Ramadan 2026
The spirit of giving
A time of generosity. Across the UAE, communities come together through charity drives, meal distributions and acts of kindness to support those in need. From donating Iftar boxes to contributing to local initiatives, giving back is at the heart of the month.
A month of tradition and atmosphere
Expect beautifully decorated Ramadan tents, lively Iftar and Suhoor gatherings, night markets, family-friendly events and a palpable sense of community after sunset.
Restaurants and hotels across the country have curated Iftar spreads and late-night Suhoor menus, while mosques fill for the evening Taraweeh prayers.
Image: What’s On Archive
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