With just a few months left until 2025, many in the UAE are already curious about the upcoming year’s public holidays and the start of Ramadan. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, the crescent moon of Ramadan 1446 AH is expected to be born on Friday, February 28, 2025. This indicates that Ramadan in the UAE will likely commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025, subject to official confirmation.
The exact start date will be confirmed by the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee, which typically meets a few days before Ramadan to observe the moon. The Islamic calendar, based on lunar cycles, causes Ramadan to shift approximately 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Ramadan began on March 12.
Ramadan is a sacred period in the Islamic calendar, marking the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset, engage in additional prayers, and recite the Qur’an throughout the month. Non-Muslims in the UAE are also expected to respect these practices in public during Ramadan.
Work hours in both the private and public sectors are typically reduced during Ramadan, with most employees working two fewer hours per day. Specific work schedules will be confirmed closer to the start of Ramadan.