Ramadan 2027 start date in the UAE
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February in the UAE, subject to official sighting of the crescent moon. Astronomical calculations point to the crescent being sought on the evening of Sunday 7 February. If it is sighted, the first Tarawih prayers are held that evening and fasting begins on Monday.
Key dates at a glance
| Milestone | Expected date | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Crescent sighting | Sunday 7 February 2027 (evening) | Official moon sighting |
| First day of fasting | Monday 8 February 2027 | Crescent being sighted |
| Ramadan length | 29 or 30 days | Moon sighting for Shawwal |
| Eid Al Fitr | Tuesday 9 March, or Wednesday 10 March if Ramadan completes 30 days | Shawwal crescent |
How moon sighting decides the date
The Islamic lunar calendar is around 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, so Ramadan moves earlier each year and passes through every season over time. Calculations give an expected date, but the final start is confirmed only when the crescent is sighted. Each Hijri month lasts 29 or 30 days, so the month of Ramadan can end on either. UAE astronomers sometimes differ on whether a crescent will be visible to the naked eye, which is why the official announcement matters more than any early forecast.
When Eid Al Fitr could fall
Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Tuesday 9 March, or Wednesday 10 March if Ramadan completes 30 days. A three-day holiday would run to Thursday 11 March, or to Friday 12 March in the 30-day case, with the Shawwal crescent deciding the final dates. See the full 2027 public holiday dates and how Ramadan changes the yearly holiday total.
Working hours during Ramadan
- Private-sector working hours are reduced by two hours a day for all employees, regardless of religion, under Article 15(2) of Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022, which implements Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
- Shift-based, security, healthcare, hospitality and other roles needed for business continuity may be placed on alternative arrangements, but employers must stay within the legal maximum hours and pay overtime for any excess.
- Overtime is paid at normal pay plus 25%, rising to 50% between 10 pm and 4 am, and is limited to two extra hours a day.
- In DIFC and ADGM, which follow separate labour laws, reduced hours apply only to Muslim employees, who may not be required to work more than six hours a day.
Planning checklist for employers and employees
| Who | What to check before February |
|---|---|
| Employers | Revised shift rosters, overtime rules for continuity roles, and how reduced hours apply to staff in each legal zone |
| Employees | Your contract hours, your Ramadan schedule and whether your workplace sits in DIFC or ADGM |
| Anyone travelling | Eid dates, since the holiday length depends on the moon, so avoid non-refundable bookings until it is announced |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ramadan 2027 date confirmed?
No. 8 February is the expected date from calculations. It becomes official only after the crescent is sighted.
Do reduced hours apply to non-Muslims?
In the mainland private sector, yes. The two-hour reduction applies to all employees regardless of religion. DIFC and ADGM follow separate rules.
Where to go next
- UAE 2027 public holidays and long weekends
- UAE 2027 holiday calendar, month by month
- Possible 6-day Eid break in March 2027
Related: see the Eid Al Fitr 2027 scenarios for a 29-day or 30-day Ramadan.
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