FLASH NEWSRamadan 2027 in the UAE: Expected Start Date and Work Hours

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.

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.

When Eid Al Fitr could fall

Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Tuesday 9 March, lasting three or four days depending on the Shawwal crescent. If Ramadan completes 30 days, Friday 12 March is added to the holiday. 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.