Good news for anyone already counting down to Ramadan, this year’s holy month is set to fall during the UAE’s winter season, making fasting more comfortable than usual.
According to astronomers, Ramadan will arrive toward the end of winter and the start of early spring, bringing milder temperatures, cooler evenings, and shorter fasting hours, expected to be around 30 minutes shorter than Ramadan 2025, making it one of the more comfortable Ramadans in recent years.
When Is Ramadan Likely to Start?
With Shaaban officially beginning on January 20, astronomers can now predict Ramadan’s timing more accurately. The UAE will look for the Ramadan crescent moon on February 17, though experts say it’s unlikely to be sighted that night.
The best chance to spot the crescent is expected on February 18, which would mean Ramadan begins on February 19. This date also aligns with the official calendar issued by Awqaf, adding weight to the prediction.
Could Eid Al Fitr be a Long Weekend?
Once Ramadan ends, all eyes will turn to the Shawwal moon. Astronomers say the most likely date to sight the Shawwal crescent is March 19, which would place Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20.
If confirmed, Eid holidays would run from March 20 to March 22, giving many residents a three-day weekend, a pretty great way to wrap up the holy month.
What About the Weather, Fasting Hours?
Because Ramadan falls during a seasonal transition this year, fasting should be more manageable. Expect pleasant evenings, cooler nights, and daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-20s°C early in the month, rising to the high-20s°C toward the end.
Iftar, Suhoor timings
Shorter fasting days will also mean earlier Iftar times, especially at the start of Ramadan. In Dubai, sunset, and Iftar, is expected to be around 6.15pm at the beginning of the month, moving to approximately 6.23pm by mid-Ramadan and 6.30pm toward the end. Abu Dhabi’s Iftar timings will be slightly later, with sunset expected around 6.19pm at the start, 6.26pm midway through the month, and 6.33pm by the final days.
As for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal is expected to end between 5.00am and 5.20am during the early days of Ramadan, gradually shifting as the month progresses.
A winter Ramadan, shorter fasting hours, and the possibility of a long Eid weekend, this year’s holy month is shaping up to be a gentler one.
Now we wait for the sighting of the Ramadan moon. Last year, the UAE Council for Fatwa used AI-powered drones to sight the crescent marking the beginning of the holy month.
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