Ramadan 2025 is just around the corner, and Muslims across the UAE have already started to prepare for a month of devotion and self-reflection. On January 31st, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) announced that the crescent moon indicating the start of Shaaban, the Hijri month before Ramadan, was spotted. This means that Ramadan is likely to begin on March 1st. However, the exact start date will depend on the sighting of the moon. As daily routines shift, school and work schedules adjust, and the pace of life slows down, here are all the key details you need to know about celebrating Ramadan in Dubai and the UAE.
During Ramadan, devoted Muslims around the world will fast from dawn to dusk, refraining from eating and drinking. Special nightly prayers called Taraweeh will be performed at mosques across the country. In the last ten days of the month, special Qiyam ul layl prayers will last through the night. This time around, fasting during the day will be a much more pleasant experience for those in the UAE as temperatures in March range between 21°C and 28°C, with an average of 24°C!
The fasting hours in 2025 are shorter compared to 2024. Here are the fasting hours throughout the Holy Month:
Last year, they ranged from 13 hours and 16 minutes to nearly 14 hours.
The Short answer is yes. The long answer is – drivers in Dubai will see dynamic Salik toll rates in place throughout Ramadan:
Paid parking timings will also be adjusted. The Variable Parking Tariff Policy, expected to roll out by late March 2025, will impact parking fees:
During Ramadan, school and work hours are reduced to accommodate fasting and prayer schedules:
This year, Ramadan arrives shortly after mid-term breaks for many schools. It also coincides with term-end exams for international curriculum schools and final exams for Indian curriculum schools in February and March. Some institutions have rescheduled exams, while others have opted to cancel them.
Also read: Less Than 50 Days To Ramadan – Start Planning Your Eid Al Fitr Getaways To These Top 8 Spots
Depending on the official moon sighting, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on March 30, March 31, or April 1. If Eid is on April 1, UAE residents could enjoy up to six days off, including the weekend! Official Eid holidays typically run from Ramadan 30 to Shawwal 3. Stay tuned to Gulf Buzz, as we’ll be the first ones to update you as soon as official Eid Al Fitr public holiday dates are out!
The UAE comes alive during Ramadan with special events, traditions, and community gatherings:
One of the most cherished Emirati traditions before Ramadan is Hag El Laila, celebrated on Shaaban 15. On this special night, children go door-to-door collecting sweets, nuts, toys, and gifts, spreading joy ahead of the holy month
Whether you’re fasting or simply experiencing Ramadan for the first time in the UAE, the Holy Month is a time of reflection, generosity, and unity for everyone!
You may also like: Dubai’s First Ramadan Market Of The Season Is Now Open – Souq Ramadan 2025
Team Gulf Buzz hopes everyone had a blessed Eid Al Adha, surrounded by friends, family… Read More
You know what the world doesn’t have enough of? Proper, fall-off-your-chair laughter. The kind that… Read More
If you’ve ever wandered around Nakheel Mall thinking where to eat, I've got your answer.… Read More
In Dubai, people talk about the moon a lot. Not the one in the sky… Read More
Dubai’s about to get a whole new kind of heat - and for once, it’s… Read More
Welcome to June, that time of year when your sunscreen melts before you do, and… Read More
