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Ramadan 2026 in the UAE expected to begin on February 19

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The holy month of Ramadan is most likely expected to start on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to preliminary astronomical calculations by the Emirates Astronomy Society.

Society chairman Ibrahim Al Jarwan explained that the crescent moon of Ramadan will be born on Tuesday, February 17, in the afternoon. However, it will set too close to sunset that evening to be visible, making Thursday the most likely first day of fasting in the UAE.

The official start date will, as always, be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee on the eve of Ramadan. This committee is the final authority in determining the Islamic calendar in the country.

Planning ahead

The forecast provides a useful head start for schools, businesses, and residents to prepare for the month ahead.

  • Schools and offices often begin adjusting spring schedules around these projections.
  • Hotels and restaurants start mapping out iftar menus, suhoor tents, and special timings for mid-February.
  • Families can use the February 17–21 window as a guide for travel plans and Ramadan preparations.

Once the moon-sighting committee confirms the date, official Ramadan hours and public holiday announcements will follow shortly after.

Fasting hours and weather outlook

At the start of Ramadan, fasting in Abu Dhabi is expected to last about 12 hours and 46 minutes, gradually extending to 13 hours and 25 minutes by the end of the month.


Temperatures are forecast to range between 16°C and 28°C in early Ramadan, rising to around 19°C–32°C later in the month, with a chance of seasonal rainfall.

A shift in the city’s rhythm

As Ramadan begins, the pace of daily life in the UAE transforms.

  • Evenings after iftar become vibrant with family gatherings, Ramadan night markets, and outdoor suhoor tents.
  • Restaurants adjust opening hours to accommodate fasting schedules.
  • The first weekend often feels like a citywide reunion, as friends plan their first iftars together.

By late February, cooler mornings and calm nights set the tone for reflection, togetherness, and renewal.

The Emirates Astronomy Society’s early forecast gives residents a helpful window to plan, for spiritual reflection, family time, and cultural festivities.

The official confirmation from the moon-sighting committee will arrive in mid-February, marking the exact beginning of Ramadan 2026.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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UAE traffic alert: Plan your journey as diversions announced on Emirates Road

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The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a temporary traffic diversion on Emirates Road beginning Thursday, December 11, as part of ongoing development works aimed at improving road efficiency and easing traffic flow in the area.

As part of the plan, the slip road for motorists travelling from Ras Al Khaimah towards Al Dhaid at Interchange No. 7 will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will instead be redirected to alternative routes to support smoother vehicle movement and ensure road user safety.

Drivers are advised to use Interchange No. 6 and the new Khorfakkan Road tunnel as substitutes during the closure.

The ministry thanked the public for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of following traffic instructions, adhering to directional signs installed at the site, and maintaining safe driving throughout the diversion period.

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DP World is turning Jebel Ali’s seawalls into homes for marine life: Here’s how

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DP World is giving Dubai’s coastline a pretty cool eco-upgrade, and it’s happening right now at Jebel Ali Port. The company has just finished the first phase of its Living Seawalls project, installing 1,000 marine-friendly panels that don’t just sit there; they actually grow life.

Think of them as seawall panels with personality. Instead of flat concrete, these have grooves, textures, and rock-like surfaces, basically, prime real estate for marine creatures looking for a place to call home.

And this is just the beginning. By 2028, the project will stretch to 6,000 panels, creating the region’s longest continuous eco-waterfront built right into a port.

Why This Matters

Ports aren’t exactly known for being wildlife hot spots, but DP World wants to change that. These panels, created in partnership with Living Seawalls (a science-led programme from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science), give algae, barnacles, small fish, and other species a fighting chance to settle and thrive.

In short, big ships and big biodiversity can actually coexist.

Science Is Watching Closely

Starting in 2026, researchers will begin monitoring how much life has moved in, and how quickly. If the results match DP World’s earlier pilot in Peru, Dubai could see a real boost in coastal biodiversity. That Peru project recorded 66 species in just 12 months, including several that existed almost exclusively on the eco-panels.

Part of a Bigger Picture

This installation also supports the company’s global Ocean Strategy, the UAE’s wider sustainability push, and biodiversity targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

DP World is also involved in the Dubai Reef initiative and other nature-positive projects. So, the Living Seawalls at Jebel Ali aren’t just a one-off; they’re part of a long-term movement to rethink how ports interact with the ocean.

As coastal cities feel the pressure from climate change, projects like this show that infrastructure doesn’t have to compete with nature. It can help it recover.

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DP World ILT20 : Aayan Khan’s 3-wicket burst powers Gulf Giants to six-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz 

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The Gulf Giants surged to a six-wicket win over the Sharjah Warriorz at Dubai International Stadium, thanks to a superb spell from UAE spinner Aayan Khan, who picked up 3/17 and walked away with Player of the Match.

The Warriorz posted 157/6, but the Giants chased it down with two balls remaining, sealing their third win in four games and tightening their grip on second place. For the Warriorz, it was their third straight defeat of ILT20 Season 4.

Giants explode early

Chasing 158, the Giants flew out of the blocks through Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50 off 36) and James Vince (35 off 28).
The pair smashed 21 runs in the second over, hammered five sixes inside the power play, and raced to 73/0, putting the Giants firmly in control.

The Warriorz fought back in the middle overs through Sikandar Raza and Adil Rashid, slowing the scoring and removing key wickets, including Gurbaz and Moeen Ali. That left the Giants needing 47 off 39 balls.

Omarzai finishes the job

With the game tightening, Gerhard Erasmus (15 off 18) and Azmatullah Omarzai (28 off 21) guided the chase. Omarzai sealed it in the final over with a huge six off Tim Southee, giving the Giants a hard-earned win.

Warriorz innings: steady start, big finish

After losing Tom Kohler-Cadmore early, Johnson Charles (36) and Kusal Mendis (23) rebuilt well, taking the Warriorz to 48/1 after the power play.

But the innings turned when Aayan Khan ripped through the middle order, dismissing Charles, Mendis, and Tim David in a brilliant four-over spell.

The Warriorz were 119/6 before Dwayne Pretorius (36 off 17) unleashed a late assault with Adil Rashid (12 off 6), smashing 36 runs in 16 balls, including a 20-run over, to lift the total to a competitive 157.

What they said

Aayan Khan: “It was a spinning wicket, and I’m happy to take a few wickets. I hadn’t bowled for a few games, so it was nice to get the ball again.”

Tim Southee, Warriorz captain: “Going 0-3 is not where we want to be. But we’ve been in the contest till the end in the last two games. Our spinners bowled really well and gave us a chance.”


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