As Muslims across the UAE prepare to begin fasting, the country’s leadership has marked the start of Ramadan with messages of unity, faith, and generosity.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared his wishes on X following the official announcement of the holy month’s arrival.
“With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, I extend my sincere best wishes to the people of the UAE and across the world,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.
“Ramadan is a time for reflection and generosity, and an opportunity to strengthen bonds within families and communities,” he added.
The UAE’s moon-sighting committee confirmed on Tuesday, February 17, that Ramadan 2026 will officially begin on February 18, meaning residents will observe the first day of fasting from Wednesday.
The confirmation also means Shaban will complete 29 days this year, in line with Islamic tradition where lunar months last either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also issued a Ramadan message on X, congratulating the UAE and the wider Islamic world.
“We congratulate the people of the UAE and all Arab and Islamic peoples on the blessed month of Ramadan… A generous month and a virtuous season… the month of goodness and giving, strengthening family ties, family gatherings, and the purification of souls…
“We ask Allah to return it upon us and upon you while we are in security, safety, well-being, and faith… and may Allah accept from us and from you our righteous deeds,” he said.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, also offered prayers for the month to bring blessings and renewed compassion.
“On the occasion of the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, we congratulate the people of the UAE and the Islamic nation, and we share this occasion with the world, under our wise leadership, asking God to make it a month of goodness and blessings. Ramadan is an opportunity to strengthen the values of compassion and solidarity among peoples, to fortify family bonds, and to entrench the meanings of giving and human coexistence.”
