Ramadan UAE 2025: when is the predicted start and end date?

Ramadan in the UAE 2025 is right around the corner, so it’s time to start prepping.

Traditionally, Ramadan is the period during which Muslims elevate their level of spiritual and physical submission to their faith by way of fasting between sunrise and sunset.

To support people fasting during this time, work hours are normally reduced and, as a result, the roads get quieter.

It’s usually a time when everyone – UAE citizens and expats – comes together.

It’s also a time of brilliant things to do in the city, from Ramadan markets and community events to charitable initiatives and of course, hundreds of iftars and suhoors. But when can you expect Ramadan in the UAE to start and end in 2025?

When is the first day of Ramadan?

While it’s not yet confirmed, Ramadan is expected to start on March 1 this year. That means it’s less than a month away.

The Astronomy Centre confirmed that the first day of Sha’aban would be on Friday January 31 in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Tunisia, Libya and Algeria.

After Rajab will come Sha’ban which then leads to Ramadan – the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

The start date each year is only officially declared by the UAE government on the guidance of the UAE Moon Sighting Committee.

When does Ramadan end?

Again, this is also yet to be confirmed, but if Ramadan does indeed start on March 1, it will end on March 29 or 30.

The exact timing depends on the phases the moon goes through every lunar month. When the waning crescent is spotted by UAE astronomers, that will signify the final night of Ramadan – and the start of Eid Al Fitr 2025 (the next public holiday in the UAE).

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is an annual month of fasting, worship, service and community gathering in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Muslims are required to elevate their spiritual and physical submission to their faith by fasting.

The abstention from eating and drinking is intended to last from dawn until dusk for around 29 or 30 days.

When the sun sets every evening during the month of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi, Muslims then break their fast with an evening meal known as an iftar. And before dawn, Muslims may eat a second meal, which is called a suhoor.