Ramadan is the most sacred month to Muslims everywhere in the world as it is the season of fasting, praying, cogitating, and fellowship. Ramadan is observed with the greatest form of devotion by the UAE, which is a country dominated by millions of Muslims, and the schedules of the Sehri (pre-dawn meal), the Iftar (meal to break the fast), and the prayers alter depending on the lunar calendar. Ramadan 2026 is expected to deliver the same feelings of piety and community, with discrepancies in schedules in the seven Emirates of the UAE.
This paper is a complete guide to Ramadan in UAE, including the information about Sehri, Iftar, and prayer times in 2026. We will also examine the variations in these timings in the different Emirates so that you will be able to spend a spiritually satisfying month in full comfort and with full awareness.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is said to be the holiest month among Muslims. It is a time of the year when the Quran was originally revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Throughout this period, Muslims go without eating, drinking, smoking, and other bodily desires and concentrate on spiritual inwardness, devotion, and restraint.
Ramadan is a highly cultural and spiritual event in UAE. The community comes together to have Iftar, they pray together during Taraweeh (special prayers of Ramadan), and also engage themselves in other charity works. Ramadan has also introduced some changes in the routine, with mornings being earlier to have Sehri and evenings being longer to have Iftar and praying.
Ramadan 2026 Overview in the UAE
The year Ramadan 2026 will start on the evening of FEB 18, 2026, and finish on the evening of March 19, 2026, provided that the moon is sighted. The UAE government will also declare the precise dates according to the sight of the moon and during this day, the working hours are normally cut. Ramadan is a festival with a lot of cultural and religious practices in the UAE, and the spirit of devotion and unity is in the air.
Ramadan in Muslims is the practice of fasting in which Muslims do not eat, drink, or indulge in other physical comforts between Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset). The prayers, timings of Sehri and Iftar differ slightly in the Emirates because of their geographical areas. We shall further explore these times and the relevance of these times during Ramadan 2026.
Sehri (Pre-Dawn Meal) Timing in UAE
The meal eaten in the morning before the sunrise and it is the start of the fast is called Sehri. It is a decisive moment when it is necessary to make sure that the body is well-nourished and hydrated in order to survive the day of fasting. The Fajr (dawn) prayer time gives timings of Sehri.
Under Ramadan 2026, the times of Sehri in the UAE will be calculated using the Fajr times of the UAE, which are usually earlier in the morning as the month advances. A balanced meal with a high level of fiber, protein, and hydration is necessary to keep the body energetic during the day.
General Sehri Timings in UAE:
- Dubai/Abu Dhabi: 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM
- Sharjah: 3:50 AM – 4:20 AM
- Ajman: 3:55 AM – 4:25 AM
- Ras Al Khaimah: 4:10 AM – 4:40 AM
- Fujairah: 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM
Tip: Sehri is not recommended to consume heavy and greasy foods, preferring to concentrate on hydration and slow-digesting foods such as oats, fruits, and whole grains.
Iftar (Meal to Break the Fast) Timing in UAE
The dinner that Muslims take at night to break the fast is called Iftar. It is a communal time, when families and friends sit down to have a meal together. The Maghrib prayer marks the period of Iftar and it is a time of great joy and thanks that the fast is over.
The Iftar times in the UAE will be marginally different in 2026 because of the time gap among the Emirates. Iftar is usually taken at 6.30 pm to 7.00 pm as the time of the sunset advances.
UAE General Iftar Times:
- Dubai/Abu Dhabi: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Sharjah: 6:25 PM – 6:55 PM
- Ajman: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Ras Al Khaimah: 6:40 PM – 7:10 PM
- Fujairah: 6:35 PM – 7:05 PM
Hack: Before having a full meal, it is customary to start with dates and water as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to do. There are numerous Iftar buffets that are served in hotels and community centers during the Ramadan season and offer a variety of delicacies.
30-Day Sehri and Iftar Plan for Ramadan 2026 (Starting February 18, 2026)
| Date | Sehri Start Time | Iftar Time |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 18, 2026 | 4:00 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Feb 19, 2026 | 4:05 AM | 6:35 PM |
| Feb 20, 2026 | 4:10 AM | 6:40 PM |
| Feb 21, 2026 | 4:15 AM | 6:45 PM |
| Feb 22, 2026 | 4:20 AM | 6:50 PM |
| Feb 23, 2026 | 4:25 AM | 6:55 PM |
| Feb 24, 2026 | 4:30 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 25, 2026 | 4:35 AM | 7:05 PM |
| Feb 26, 2026 | 4:40 AM | 7:10 PM |
| Feb 27, 2026 | 4:45 AM | 7:15 PM |
| Feb 28, 2026 | 4:50 AM | 7:20 PM |
| Mar 1, 2026 | 4:55 AM | 7:25 PM |
| Mar 2, 2026 | 5:00 AM | 7:30 PM |
| Mar 3, 2026 | 5:05 AM | 7:35 PM |
| Mar 4, 2026 | 5:10 AM | 7:40 PM |
| Mar 5, 2026 | 5:15 AM | 7:45 PM |
| Mar 6, 2026 | 5:20 AM | 7:50 PM |
| Mar 7, 2026 | 5:25 AM | 7:55 PM |
| Mar 8, 2026 | 5:30 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Mar 9, 2026 | 5:35 AM | 8:05 PM |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 5:40 AM | 8:10 PM |
| Mar 11, 2026 | 5:45 AM | 8:15 PM |
| Mar 12, 2026 | 5:50 AM | 8:20 PM |
| Mar 13, 2026 | 5:55 AM | 8:25 PM |
| Mar 14, 2026 | 6:00 AM | 8:30 PM |
| Mar 15, 2026 | 6:05 AM | 8:35 PM |
| Mar 16, 2026 | 6:10 AM | 8:40 PM |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 6:15 AM | 8:45 PM |
| Mar 18, 2026 | 6:20 AM | 8:50 PM |
| Mar 19, 2026 | 6:25 AM | 8:55 PM |
Timetable of Prayer in UAE during Ramadan 2026
Besides Sehri and Iftar, the Muslims have five prayers per day. These prayers are even more important during Ramadan with a good number of Muslims conducting Taraweeh prayers during the night.
Key Prayers:
- Fajr: Pre-dawn prayer
- Dhuhr: Midday prayer
- Asr: Afternoon prayer
- Maghrib: Evening prayer (at Iftar time)
- Isha: Night prayer, then Taraweeh in the month of Ramadan.
Timings of the prayer in UAE will have slight differences with the location and day. The following is a rough outline of Ramadan 2026.
| Prayer | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | Ajman | Ras Al Khaimah | Fujairah |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 5:00 AM | 5:05 AM | 5:05 AM | 5:10 AM | 5:15 AM | 5:15 AM |
| Dhuhr | 12:25 PM | 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM | 12:35 PM | 12:35 PM |
| Asr | 3:45 PM | 3:50 PM | 3:50 PM | 3:55 PM | 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Maghrib | 6:30 PM | 6:35 PM | 6:25 PM | 6:30 PM | 6:40 PM | 6:35 PM |
| Isha | 8:00 PM | 8:05 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:05 PM | 8:10 PM | 8:10 PM |
Differences in the Timings of Ramadan Praying in the Emirates of the UAE
Because of the geographical distribution of the UAE, these slight differences exist in the times of prayer across the Emirates. The time interval among cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah implies that Fajr, Maghrib, and other prayer times will change within a few minutes.
The differences are as follows:
- Dubai tends to be a little earlier because it is centrally located, whereas Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are on the east side and thus have a later time because they are closer to the Gulf of Oman.
- This is similar to Dubai, though Abu Dhabi is slightly different as it is in the west.
- Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al-Quwain have the same prayer schedules as the city of Dubai because of their proximity.
Effects of Time Zone and Location on Ramadan Times
The observation of the Sehri, Iftar, and prayer time depends on the time zone differences between the Emirates. The UAE uses the Gulf Standard Time (GST), though there is a little variation in the longitude and latitude that leads to a slight variation in the times across the Emirates.
The Purpose of Technology in Ramadan Timings
Technology in the world today has been very instrumental in making sure that Muslims observe Ramadan correctly. There are many applications and websites where people can find schedules of prayers, and most mosques stream prayer times online. Other apps such as Muslim Pro, iPray, and Ramadan Timings are some of the popular apps that can provide the correct schedule depending on the location.
Ramadan Events and Activities in UAE
The UAE also celebrates Ramadan as a period of special events, charity, and community events. Iftar tents and the Dubai Ramadan Night Market are only some of the activities that will make this month even more special.
How to Celebrate Ramadan in the UAE?
Healthy Fasting:
- It is important to drink a lot of water during Sehri and Iftar.
Cultural Etiquette:
- Be sensitive to the local societal norms, such as dressing modestly and avoiding food and drinks in the streets during fasting times.
Be Active:
- Attend the Taraweeh prayers and have sufficient rest to ensure that you balance the spiritual activities with physical wellness.
Conclusion
In the UAE, Ramadan 2026 will represent an opportunity to reflect and ask questions about spirituality, bond with others, and be charitable. Knowing the times of the Sehri, Iftar, and prayer in the Emirates will contribute to making sure that your Ramadan will be an easy and satisfying experience.
FAQ’s
When is Sehri in Dubai in the year 2026?
The Ramadan 2026 Sehri begins at 4:00 AM in Dubai.
In Abu Dhabi, what is the time of Iftar in Ramadan 2026?
Abu Dhabi Iftar begins at 6:35 PM.
What is the meaning of Sehri and Iftar in the month of Ramadan?
Sehri and Iftar are special meals in Ramadan, which maintain healthy food and water consumption during fasting periods.
What are the proper prayer times during Ramadan in the UAE?
Apps such as Muslim Pro or check announcements in mosques can be used to know the correct time to pray.
In which are the times of Maghrib prayer in Ramadan 2026 in the UAE?
The prayers are usually performed at 6:30 PM in Dubai but with slight differences in other Emirates.
Does Ramadan have an impact on the UAE work hours?
Indeed, in most cases, the working hours during Ramadan are shortened, and most businesses work between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Is it possible to have the same Sehri time in all Emirates of the UAE?
No, the time of Sehri is a bit different in different parts of the Emirates depending on the geographical location.
What is the celebration of Ramadan in UAE?
In the UAE, Ramadan is an event that is celebrated by communal prayer sessions, Iftar dinner, charity events, and special Ramadan markets.
Do you have any special occasions in Dubai during Ramadan?
Yes, Dubai has such events as Ramadan tents, night markets, and charitable events when Ramadan takes place.
What are the health guidelines to fasting during Ramadan?
Take balanced food at Sehri and Iftar, drink a lot of water, and consume large or fried food.
