Ramadan 2027 in the UAE

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest period of the year for Muslims worldwide. In the UAE, it is a public observance that affects daily life, business hours, and the social atmosphere across all seven emirates. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to run approximately 17 February to 19 March, though exact dates depend on moon sighting and will be confirmed officially a day or two before the start.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset — no food, drink, or smoking from the Fajr prayer until the Maghrib prayer at sunset. This is both a religious obligation and a deeply social practice, with the evening Iftar meal (breaking the fast) forming the centrepiece of daily life during the month.

What changes for visitors

The UAE’s approach to Ramadan is strict by regional standards. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited by law for everyone, including non-Muslims and tourists. This applies in malls, streets, parks, and public transport. Hotel rooms, licensed restaurant dining rooms, and designated eating areas are the appropriate spaces for daytime meals.

Many restaurants reduce their daytime hours or close entirely until Iftar, which in late February falls around 18:00–18:20 and moves progressively earlier through March. Hotel restaurants and some malls maintain daytime food service in closed, screened-off areas. Nightlife and entertainment operate on a curtailed basis; alcohol is generally not sold publicly from sunset to Iftar, and many bars and clubs reduce their hours or close for the month.

Government offices and many businesses operate shorter hours, typically 9:00 to 14:00 or 15:00. Traffic is heavy in the 30–60 minutes before Iftar as people rush home; roads are then quiet during Iftar itself, picking up again after.

What’s worth experiencing

Ramadan also brings a distinct and genuinely atmospheric side to the UAE that most visitors never see. Iftar is the social highlight of the day — hotels, restaurants, and event spaces set up dedicated Iftar tents and buffets with elaborate spreads. These range from around AED 120 per person at mid-range venues to AED 300 and above at luxury hotels. Booking is recommended; popular venues fill up by late afternoon.

After Iftar, the streets and malls come alive. The Suhoor meal (eaten before the pre-dawn fast begins) is served until 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning at many shisha cafes, restaurants, and hotel tents. The atmosphere in the hours after Iftar is social and relaxed — this is often cited by long-term residents as one of their favourite aspects of the calendar.

Practical tips for visitors

The February dates in 2027 mean cooler temperatures — around 20–25°C — which makes the heat restrictions less of an issue than during summer Ramadans. Dress modestly throughout the month: avoid sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, and any clothing that might be considered revealing in public areas. Our dress code guide for the UAE covers this in detail.

For a broader look at when to visit the UAE and how the Islamic calendar affects the travel calendar, see our best time to visit UAE guide.