Muslims in the United Arab Emirates are expected to begin observing Ramadan in early February 2027, with Eid Al Fitr likely to follow in March.
Although astronomical calculations provide an early indication of when the holy month could begin, the final dates will only be confirmed after the UAE’s official Moon-sighting process. This means residents should treat the currently projected dates as a guide rather than a fixed calendar.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims around the world as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, charity and community. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan moves approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
When will Ramadan 2027 begin?
According to the latest astronomical projections reported by The National, Ramadan 2027 is expected to start on February 8, 2027.
However, the actual beginning of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. The UAE’s Moon-sighting committee traditionally examines the sky toward the end of Sha’ban before announcing the beginning of the fasting month.
Ramadan can last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
If the projected February 8 start date is confirmed, Ramadan could end on either March 8 or March 9, depending on whether the month lasts 29 or 30 days.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. The month is also associated with increased prayer, reading of the Quran, charitable giving and spending time with family and the wider community.
When is Eid Al Fitr 2027?
Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
For 2027, astronomical calculations indicate that Eid Al Fitr could begin on March 9 or March 10, depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days and whether the new crescent is confirmed.
If Ramadan lasts 29 days, Eid is expected to begin on March 9.
If the fasting month continues for 30 days, Eid could begin on March 10.
The exact date cannot be regarded as final until the relevant moon-sighting announcement is made.
How long will the Eid holiday last in the UAE?
The UAE’s public holiday arrangements provide workers with paid leave around Eid Al Fitr.
Under the current rules, employees in both the public and private sectors are entitled to three paid holidays covering the first three days of Shawwal.
However, the length of Ramadan can affect the overall break.
If the crescent marking the beginning of Shawwal is not sighted after the 29th day of Ramadan, the fasting month continues for another day. In that situation, Ramadan’s 30th day is also treated as a public holiday.
This could result in a longer break for UAE residents when the official holiday dates connect with the weekend. The National’s projection indicates that a 30-day Ramadan could potentially give residents a break of up to six days when the additional holiday and weekend are taken into account.
Why the dates change every year
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year, the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the Moon.
A lunar year is shorter than the Gregorian year, causing Ramadan to shift earlier by roughly 10 to 12 days annually.
This explains why Ramadan can occur in different seasons over time. The holy month gradually moves through the entire Gregorian calendar rather than remaining fixed to a particular month.
What residents should expect during Ramadan
Ramadan brings changes to daily routines across the UAE.
Muslims observing the fast will eat before dawn during suhoor and break their fast after sunset with iftar. Mosques also typically see increased attendance for evening prayers, including Taraweeh.
Businesses, schools and government offices may operate according to adjusted schedules during the holy month, while restaurants and other establishments commonly change their operating hours to accommodate fasting and non-fasting customers.
The month also brings an increase in charitable activities, family gatherings and community events.
Final dates still depend on the Moon
Despite the availability of astronomical calculations months in advance, the projected dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr should not be confused with the official announcements.
The UAE relies on its recognised Moon-sighting process to determine the beginning and end of Islamic months. Previous Eid announcements have similarly been subject to observations of the crescent before final confirmation.
For now, UAE residents can use February 8, 2027 as the projected beginning of Ramadan and March 9 or March 10 as the likely window for Eid Al Fitr when planning travel, work schedules, family events and holidays.
The final dates will be announced closer to Ramadan after the relevant lunar observations have taken place.
