Millions of Muslims in India and the United Arab Emirates are looking to the skies as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. The start of Ramadan is about 10 to 11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is lunar. In 2026, the fasting month comes with the height of the transition from winter to spring.
Expected Dates for Ramadan 2026
The beginning of Ramadan is formally determined only following the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal). But at least we're not going to be ignoring the astronomical numbers:
| Region | Expected Start Date | Expected End Date (Eid al-Fitr) |
| UAE | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| India | Thursday, February 19 or Friday, February 20, 2026 | Friday, March 20 or Saturday, March 21, 2026 |
Initiating on a crescent to appear would be late for the UAE since the February 17, while on February 19, it would have been much earlier. In India, people generally start fasting a day later or coincides, depending on local sightings.
The Spiritual Significance
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the most sacred time of the year. It commemorates the month when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Five Pillars
- Fasting (Sawm) is one of the five core pillars of Islam, compulsory for all healthy adult Muslims.
- Taqwa (God-Consciousness) The eventual goal is a higher state of consciousness and self-discipline.
- Empathy: People should be moved to think of their neighbors suffering a lack of food when they eat, water in accordance with Islam.
Key Highlights of Ramadan 2026
- Winter Fasting: For the UAE, this Ramadan falls during the "cool" season (wherefore it is "temperature"). Thereafter, fasting hours are to be c. 13-13.5 hours on average which is considerably shorter and more comfortable than those during summer months.
- Laylat al-Qadr: This is the "Night of Power," the holiest night of the year and falls on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days (expected around March 16 or 17).
- Tarawih Prayers: Members of congregations do an evening prayer in mosque every night after the Isha prayer.
- Workplace Adjustments: In the UAE, public and private hours of employment are reduced by two hours each day to accommodate those who are currently fasting.
Fasting Rituals
- Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal taken before morning sun.
- Iftar: The meal to break the fast at sunset. Traditionally begins with dates and water in line with the Sunnah.
As the family prepares, the message remains one of peace, contemplation and communal harmony. Ramadan Kareem!
