Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar — one month of fasting from dawn until sunset (no food, drink, or smoking during daylight). For Muslims it's deeply spiritual and communal. In the UAE it shapes most aspects of expat life.
Approximate schedule (Islamic calendar shifts ~11 days earlier each year)
| Year | Ramadan start | Ramadan end |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mar 11 | Apr 7 |
| 2025 | Mar 1 | Mar 29 |
| 2026 | ~Feb 18 (expected) | ~Mar 19 (expected) |
Official dates are confirmed 1–2 days in advance by moon sighting. Expect a 1-day margin of error.
Eid Al Fitr: 3–5 public-holiday days at the end of Ramadan. 2025: Mar 29 – Apr 1.
What foreigners must do
⚠️ Public daytime
- Regardless of religion or nationality, no eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight. Violations carry fines or warnings.
- Exceptions: some hotel restaurants (behind screens), private spaces, your home.
- Children, pregnant women, and patients are exempt from fasting — but the public-decorum rule still applies.
Work
- UAE labour law reduces the workday by 2 hours during Ramadan — most companies comply.
- Government agencies slow down. Schedule time-sensitive paperwork for before or after Ramadan.
- On assignment? Avoid the period.
Meals
- Daytime restaurants operate on restricted hours. Some hotels run screened service.
- Iftar (sunset meal): the fast breaks at sunset. Major hotels and restaurants run iftar buffets — Emiratis and expats alike attend.
- Suhoor (pre-dawn meal): the last meal before fasting starts. Top hotels run suhoor events.
Transport
- Just before iftar, traffic peaks as people rush home. Especially on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- After iftar is relatively quiet. Malls and restaurants open until very late.
What you can take advantage of
- Hotel iftar buffets — a uniquely UAE cultural experience. Major 5-star hotels run elaborate spreads.
- Mall late-night vibe — open past midnight. Ramadan sales are common.
- Community feel — free iftar meals at some mosques (invitations from Egyptian / Indian communities) are sometimes approachable.
Details Koreans often miss
- Grocery prices rise just before Ramadan. Stock up in late February / early March.
- Gym / pool hours may shift — check posted schedules.
- Children's schools run shortened days. Watch notices.
- Eid Al Fitr (3–5 day holiday at the end) — banks and government close, holiday-travel demand spikes, flights / hotels book out.