Why fasting in the UAE during Ramadan 2026 will be easier than recent years

Fasting in the UAE during Ramadan 2026 is expected to be more manageable than in recent years, as the holy month shifts firmly into the cooler winter and early spring season. Shorter fasting hours, milder temperatures, and adjusted work and school schedules are set to ease the physical demands traditionally associated with Ramadan in the Gulf.

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, subject to official moon-sighting confirmation. This marks one of the first true “winter Ramadans” in nearly two decades, significantly changing daily fasting rhythms across the UAE and the wider region.

Shorter fasting hours
Daily fasting durations in the UAE are projected to range between 12 and 14 hours, making them around 30 minutes shorter than in 2025. On the first day of Ramadan, fasting is expected to last approximately 12 hours and 40–46 minutes, gradually increasing to about 13 hours and 20–30 minutes by the end of March as daylight hours lengthen. This is a notable contrast to summer Ramadans, when fasting regularly exceeded 14 hours.

Similar fasting patterns are expected across the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, where daily fasts are also likely to remain within the 12–13 hour range.

Cooler winter weather
With Ramadan falling in late winter and early spring, temperatures across the UAE are expected to range between 16°C and 28°C during the early part of the month. The milder climate is likely to reduce dehydration risks and physical strain, particularly for outdoor workers and worshippers attending evening prayers. In parts of the northern Gulf and the Levant, winter-like conditions or brief cold spells may even occur during the holy month.

Earlier iftars and gentler routines
Earlier sunsets during winter mean iftar is expected to fall between 6:15pm and 6:20pm at the start of Ramadan. The earlier breaking of the fast allows for a more balanced daily routine, with more time for rest, family gatherings, and night prayers.

Reduced work and school hours
As in previous years, the UAE will implement measures to support fasting residents. Private sector employees are entitled to a mandatory two-hour reduction in daily working hours throughout Ramadan. Federal government working hours are expected to run from 9:00am to 2:30pm from Monday to Thursday and from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Fridays.

Schools will also operate on reduced schedules, with a maximum of five hours per school day. In addition, a spring break starting in mid-March will overlap with the final days of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, giving families extended time together.

Friday congregational prayers across the UAE will be held at 12:45pm, with schools and many government offices closing by 11:30am to allow worshippers to attend.

Transport adjustments
In Dubai, Salik toll timings are expected to be adjusted during Ramadan, including a toll-free window from 2:00am to 7:00am to ease travel for suhoor and early-morning movement.

Key dates for Ramadan 2026 (tentative)

• Start of Ramadan: Thursday, February 19, 2026

• Laylat al-Qadr: Tuesday, March 17, 2026

• Eid Al Fitr: Friday, March 20, 2026

All dates remain subject to official moon-sighting announcements.

With shorter fasting hours, cooler weather, and supportive operational changes, Ramadan 2026 is set to be one of the most physically manageable holy months the UAE has experienced in years.