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.

If you’re a parent in the UAE, here’s an important update to keep on your radar.

Schools across the country are tightening controls around student health and safety, urging parents not to send any medication with their children during the school day, unless it’s necessary and officially approved.

The move applies to government and private schools following a Ministry of Education curriculum, and the message is clear: Unsupervised medication at school can be risky.

In notices sent out to parents, school administrations explained that allowing students to carry medicines could lead to serious health risks. These include incorrect dosages, improper use, or even students sharing medication with classmates. Schools are keen to avoid situations that could quickly turn into medical emergencies.

Exceptions With Rules

The ban isn’t a blanket one. Students with chronic conditions or specific medical needs are still allowed access to medication, but only under strict guidelines.

Parents must provide:

• An official medical prescription from the treating doctor
• Clear details, including the student’s name, medication type, dosage, and timing

Once approved, medications are:

• Stored securely
• Administered only by school management or qualified health staff

This ensures students receive their treatment safely and at the right time.

School administrators say the policy is part of a broader health and safety framework aimed at preventing emergencies and promoting awareness on campus.

Parents are being urged to fully cooperate with the new guidelines, highlighting the importance of strong school–family partnerships when it comes to student health.

If you live in Khorfakkan and have been wondering what’s happening with housing in the area, here’s some reassuring news.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has announced that a new residential neighbourhood will be built in Jabal Al Ashkel, directly responding to concerns about the shortage of homes in the city.

The new development, called Al Ashkel Neighbourhood, will be located along the mountainous area of Khorfakkan. It’s set to take place near the Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled, and to ensure the area is ready for construction, the road leading to Al Rafisah will be paved.

The announcement was made during a phone call on the programme Direct Line, where the Sharjah Ruler addressed concerns by Emiratis about the availability of residential plots in Khorfakkan. And it wasn’t just talk about plans, there’s already a lot happening on the ground.

Right now, 270 homes are under construction, including 120 homes in Al Mudeife. More residential plots in the Al Harray area are also being handed over to the municipality, with construction expected to take around two years.

And it’s not just Khorfakkan that’s seeing progress. The Sharjah Ruler also shared updates on housing projects in Kalba, with new neighbourhoods being developed along the ring road in areas like Al Ghayl, Al Saaf, and Al Tareef. Construction has already started in Al Dahiyat neighbourhood, with more developments on the way.

All in all, it’s a clear sign that efforts are being made to ease housing pressure across Sharjah’s East Coast, and the message is clear: Sharjah is moving fast to address housing needs with long-term, citizen-focused developments that balance community living and natural surroundings.