With fasting already underway across the UAE, attention is now turning to when the holy month will draw to a close in 2026.
Ramadan began on Wednesday, February 18, after the country’s moon-sighting authorities confirmed the start of the ninth month in the Islamic Hijri calendar. Unlike the Gregorian system, which follows the solar year, the Hijri calendar is determined by lunar cycles, meaning each month lasts either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Based on current astronomical projections cited by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, this year’s Ramadan is expected to run for 29 days. If that estimate holds, the final day of fasting is likely to fall on Wednesday, March 18. However, the official announcement will depend on the moon-sighting confirmation closer to the date.
For Muslims, the conclusion of Ramadan marks the transition to Eid Al Fitr, one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar. The festival begins on the first day of Shawwal and follows the final sunset of Ramadan.
In the UAE, Eid Al Fitr is observed as a public holiday from Ramadan 30 — should the month complete 30 days — until Shawwal 3. Authorities have confirmed that the break will commence on Thursday, March 19, for both public and private sector employees, resulting in a four-day weekend.
