Ramadan 2027 and Eid Al Fitr

The International Astronomical Center estimates that Ramadan 2027 (1448 AH) will begin on Monday 8 February 2027, with the crescent expected to be visible on 6 or 7 February. Ramadan 2026 began on 18 February, so next year starts about ten days earlier.

Eid Al Fitr is expected on Tuesday 9 March or Wednesday 10 March 2027, depending on whether the Shawwal crescent is seen on the evening of 8 March. If it is seen, Ramadan lasts 29 days and Eid starts on 9 March. If not, Ramadan completes 30 days and Eid starts on 10 March. Public holidays would run for three or four days accordingly. Eid Al Adha is expected on 16 or 17 May 2027. All of these are estimates until the UAE announces the sightings.

Daily life shifts to evenings. Working hours are shorter, daytime is quiet, and the city comes alive after sunset with iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, and later gatherings. Restaurants and cafés generally stay open through the day, but showing consideration, by eating and drinking discreetly in public, remains the norm.

Festival and entertainment programmes adjust to the evenings. Sheikh Zayed Festival has announced Ramadan evening programmes, and attractions such as Global Village have changed their opening hours in past Ramadans. Confirm the timings of anything you plan to visit.

Dress and behaviour in public places should be more conservative than usual, and venues often tone down their entertainment. Check each venue's notice.

Yes, if you like evenings and do not mind a slower daytime. Hotels often cut rates in the weeks before and early in Ramadan, and the atmosphere in the last ten nights is distinctive. The cooler weather of February and early March helps. If you want a busy sightseeing schedule from morning, choose another month.