Ramadan is expected to begin on March 1 in the UAE this year, according to predictions from astronomers. However, the official start date will be determined by the moon-sighting committee - likely to be after sunset on February 28.
The 29-to-30 day month, the length of which is determined by the moon cycle, is the holiest in Islam and requires Muslims to abstain from all food and drink during daylight hours. Fasting from dawn to dusk strips away distractions for practising Muslims, allowing them to look within instead, focus on faith and empathise with the less fortunate.
For many Muslims, Ramadan is an annual reset. The month represents a complete change in routine, with the faithful reconsidering their priorities, increasing their piety, and gathering more frequently with close friends and family. They typically also increase their charitable contributions, and spend time on personal reflection - all while avoiding negative environments or habits, such as gossiping or swearing.
For non-Muslims living in the UAE, the spirit of Ramadan can also be felt in the festive lighting of the cities and appearance of iftar tents.
Supermarkets tend to become busier as families stock up on Ramadan essentials, like apricot paste and Vimto, to prepare meals for sunset and working and school hours are reduced in consideration of fasting Muslims, who often stay up late with night prayers and Quran recitation.
If this is your first Ramadan in the UAE, here are a few things to look out for – from official rules to cultural tips or recommendations.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in public, where possible
During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, smoke or drink from sunrise (fajr) to sunset (maghrib) - each marked with prayers. Though most restaurants and cafes remain open across the country, non-Muslims are encouraged not to eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum publicly in non-designated places while the Sun is out.
Officially, doing so is against the law and could result in a Dh2,000 ($545) fine or a jail sentence of no more than a month - but this is rarely applied.
Non-fasting people can do all of these things in private or designated areas, including at restaurants and cafes.
At work, companies must provide a room for people to eat away from those fasting.
Water can be consumed at the gym and private beaches but it is best to be mindful about drinking when going to and from the car park.
You can eat, drink and smoke in your car if the interior of your vehicle is not visible. Discretion is generally advised.
Children are also able to eat and drink in public, regardless of their location.
If you forget and are seen eating or drinking publicly, it is best to apologise and try to avoid making the mistake again. Ramadan is also about practising patience, so people are typically forgiving about mistakes if it is clear there is no ill intention.
Be mindful around fasting Muslims
As at other times of the year – but especially during Ramadan – people should avoid demonstrative acts of affection in public, as this can be an offence.
People should also avoid making a scene in public as it is generally a time of peaceful reflection and piety.
Men and women are encouraged to dress more modestly during the holy month, avoiding revealing and tight clothing. Swimwear is still acceptable at public beaches and hotel pools, which will be open as usual.
Non-Muslims should consider whether they have Muslim friends who are fasting before using strong language or making jokes that could be deemed inappropriate.
It is also best to avoid playing music loudly during the holy month and to use headphones instead – particularly during prayers or the call to prayer.
Get involved where appropriate
Non-Muslims can certainly try their hand at fasting by attending iftar and suhoor tents at hotels and participating in charitable initiatives if they wish to partake in aspects of the holy month.
If invited to iftar, as with any such offer, it is polite to attend. It is not a requirement, but it is never wrong to bring a gift when visiting someone’s home. It is advisable to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before maghrib. Turning up with a box of dates or sweets in hand will not go amiss.
Watching the iftar cannon go off, which signals the setting of the Sun, at a park or mosque can also be a nice experience, particularly for children who can learn about its significance during the holy month.
During Ramadan, Muslims tend to give more to charity and people are invited to practise the spirit of giving. Non-Muslims can also take this time to donate to charity or carry out volunteer work.
Some families choose to put up tents – in co-ordination with their respective municipalities and Emirates Red Crescent – to feed low-income workers in the area.
Those who wish to set up a tent must go through a licensing procedure that involves receiving temporary permits from the municipality.
Iftar and prayer timings for Ramadan 2025:
With Ramadan falling earlier with every year, Muslims can expect to fast for a slightly shorter time period than they did last year but the days lengthen towards the end of the month.
This year, Muslims in the UAE will begin the month by fasting for about 14 hours and 13 minutes. The fasting time will steadily increase as the holy month progresses. By the end of Ramadan, the fast will last for 14 hours and 55 minutes.
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Company profile
Company name: Dharma
Date started: 2018
Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: TravelTech
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs
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Director: Sriram Raghavan
Producer: Matchbox Pictures, Viacom18
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Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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Key facilities
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Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
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“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
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Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
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Stage: Series C
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
