Ramadan is approaching faster than you might think. The month of fasting, reflection, and generosity is just around the corner, and early predictions already offer a glimpse of when it will begin.

While the official start depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, astronomical forecasts suggest Ramadan 2026 will likely begin between February 17 and 19, with the first day expected on Thursday, February 19, according to Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).

When does Ramadan 2026 begin?

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred time for Muslims worldwide. It’s observed through fasting from dawn to dusk, engaging in prayer, reflection, and charitable acts.
As with every year, the exact date will be confirmed only after the crescent moon is sighted.

Laylat Al Qadr — The Night of Power

One of the most significant nights of Ramadan, Laylat Al Qadr, or The Night of Power, is expected to fall on Tuesday night, March 17, 2026. Considered the holiest night in Islam, it marks the revelation of the Quran and is dedicated to intense prayer, gratitude, and seeking forgiveness.

When will Ramadan end and Eid Al Fitr begin?

Based on IACAD’s 2026 calendar, Ramadan is expected to conclude on Thursday, March 19, lasting 29 or 30 days depending on the moon sighting. That means Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, likely bringing with it the UAE’s first long weekend of the year.

The country typically designates the first three days of Shawwal (the month following Ramadan) as public holidays, but if the moon sighting extends Ramadan to 30 days, residents could enjoy an even longer festive break.

Ramadan and school holidays

For families, Ramadan 2026 neatly aligns with school spring breaks.

• Private schools in Dubai (September academic start): Spring break from March 16 to March 30
• MOE curriculum schools: Spring break from March 16 to March 29

This overlap means families can spend the final days of Ramadan and Eid celebrations together, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere across the UAE.

Ramadan 2026 promises to be a spiritually rich and family-focused time, one that blends faith, reflection, and togetherness, with the added joy of an early-year-long weekend to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.

Dubai’s next big transport leap is officially on track, and already 10 per cent complete. The Dubai Metro Blue Line, one of the emirate’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, has reached a major milestone just five months after construction began in June 2025. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that over 3,000 workers and 500 engineers are now driving progress across 12 construction sites, moving the city closer to a smarter, faster, and greener commute.

When complete, the 30-kilometre Blue Line will seamlessly connect International City, Mirdif, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Academic City, linking the Red and Green Lines and serving over one million residents by 2040.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, stated that the line’s completion is on schedule, with 30 per cent expected by the end of 2026, and a full launch planned for September 9, 2029, coinciding perfectly with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.

The ’20-minute City’ Vision

“The Dubai Metro Blue Line is one of RTA’s most strategic projects,” Al Tayer said. 

“It connects key residential, economic, and tourism districts, enhances quality of life, and embodies Dubai’s ‘20-minute city’ vision, where 80 per cent of daily essentials are within 20 minutes of travel.”

• About 80 per cent of daily essentials will be within a 20-minute reach by public transport. 
• It will allow direct 20-minute trips to Dubai International Airport, easing congestion and making travel smoother for both residents and visitors.
• Once operational, the line will serve around one million residents and could boost property values by up to 25 per cent around its stations.

So far, over 260 deep foundations and 400,000 cubic metres of excavation have been completed, with major works at International City’s three stations and Academic City’s metro columns. To maintain quality and speed, RTA has even set up two ready-mix concrete plants at Al Ruwayyah 3 and International City.

The project will also feature the world’s tallest metro station, the Emaar Station at Dubai Creek Harbour, which stands 74 metres high and is capable of handling 240,000 passengers daily by 2040. Designed as an architectural landmark, it will be a luminous gateway by night and a natural light-filled hub by day.

Traffic Diversions

To keep Dubai moving smoothly during construction, RTA has rolled out 11 traffic diversions, including around Dragon Mart, with 10 more planned.

Beyond mobility, the project promises to deliver big economic and environmental benefits: a Dh56.5 billion boost by 2040.

RTA says over three million work hours have been completed without a single fatality, underscoring its world-class safety record.

In short, Dubai’s Blue Line isn’t just another metro extension; it’s the future of how the city moves, connects, and grows.

To mark the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad (National Day), Dubai’s toll operator Salik has launched a special competition giving participants the chance to win two recharge cards worth Dh400 each.

Running until December 2, the campaign invites residents to take part in a weekly challenge. Salik will post a new question every week, and five winners will be selected over four weeks to take home the prizes.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Salik encouraged residents to join in and boost their chances of winning, though it has yet to reveal details about the weekly questions.
“A new challenge begins now. Over four weeks, we’ll post one question each week, and five lucky winners will each receive two recharge cards worth Dh400,” the toll authority posted on X.

The initiative comes as part of Dubai’s broader National Month campaign, which runs from Flag Day (November 3) through Eid Al Etihad (December 2). The campaign celebrates the UAE’s proud journey through a series of national, community, and cultural events designed to strengthen national pride and unity.

Residents can follow Salik’s official social channels to take part in the contest and celebrate the spirit of the Union.