For anyone living in or travelling to the Middle East, understanding the Ramadan 2026 dates helps with planning, workplace expectations and navigating the month’s rhythm. Many people look up when is Ramadan 2026 months in advance, since the exact timing affects everything from school schedules to public events. This guide brings together the confirmed and projected timings, the phases of Ramadan, key observances and what to expect across the region. It also outlines when does Ramadan start and end in 2026, along with practical insights into fasting durations and prayer schedules. With a clear overview of the Ramadan 2026 calendar, the month becomes easier to understand and prepare for.

Islamic months follow a lunar calendar, so the start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon. This is why people often search for when is Ramadan 2026 well in advance, even though final confirmation arrives quite close to the date.

Based on current astronomical forecasts, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17 2026. The month is expected to end on the evening of Thursday, March 19 2026, subject to moon sighting. Understanding the Ramadan 2026 moon sighting explained simply means recognising that religious authorities in each country verify the crescent before officially announcing the start. These details form the basis of the Ramadan 2026 calendar.

While the start and end dates are similar across the Gulf, there are slight local differences in daily timings. People often check Ramadan 2026 UAE / Saudi schedules to stay updated, especially as working hours and public timings shift during the month.

Dubai typically publishes a full timetable that includes Suhoor ending times, Iftar times and prayer schedules. These regional timings feed into the wider Ramadan prayer schedule 2026 by region, which helps residents organise their day.

Saudi Arabia follows the same lunar announcements but has its own published schedule for prayers and fasting hours. The kingdom’s timetable is often referenced by travellers, especially those moving between GCC countries.

The cultural rhythm across both regions is similar, so expats often search for what to expect during Ramadan in UAE and Saudi. Days tend to feel quieter, while evenings become more active as people gather for Iftar and nightly prayers.

Ramadan is structured around several key elements, and understanding the phases of Ramadan helps explain why the atmosphere changes throughout the month.

These stages shape the month’s flow and are commonly referenced in cultural explanations of Ramadan.

The wider set of Ramadan observances explained usually includes fasting, nightly prayers, time for reflection and increased charitable activity. Participation varies between individuals, but these elements are part of the broader structure recognised across Muslim communities.

Because Ramadan follows local sunrise and sunset times, fasting lengths differ around the world. Many people look up fasting duration by country Ramadan 2026 to see how long each day might be.

In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, fasting hours in 2026 are expected to range from 13 to 14 hours at the start of the month, gradually shifting as daylight changes. These timings connect directly to the Ramadan 2026 Dubai fasting schedule and similar tables across the GCC.

Northern regions with shorter winter days may experience shorter fasts, while southern regions may see slightly longer ones. This variance is a natural part of the Ramadan fasting hours 2026 structure.

To summarise the projected timing:

These dates are used across the Ramadan 2026 calendar for planning. Final confirmation will still depend on local moon-sighting committees, which is why many people follow official announcements closely.

Prayer schedules are central to daily Ramadan routines. The Ramadan prayer schedule 2026 by region outlines the times for the five daily prayers, including Fajr (before dawn) and Maghrib (sunset), which mark the start and end of each fast. These times differ slightly between cities, which is why Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Jeddah may each have their own tables even though the dates are the same.

Once Ramadan is complete, communities prepare for Eid Al Fitr 2026 date, which marks the end of the month. Eid typically begins the day after the last fast, making March 20, 2026 the expected date, subject again to moon sighting.

The Ramadan 2026 dates are expected to run from mid-February to mid-March, with exact timing confirmed by moon sighting. Understanding when is Ramadan 2026, the key observances and the phases of Ramadan makes the month easier to navigate for residents and visitors alike. Knowing when does Ramadan start and end in 2026, how fasting hours vary and how the Ramadan 2026 calendar works provides practical context for planning daily routines.

With regional variations such as the Ramadan 2026 Dubai fasting schedule and Ramadan 2026 Saudi Arabia timings, the month’s rhythm becomes clearer. The significance of the crescent moon, fasting hours and the Ramadan 2026 moon sighting explained all come together to shape how the month unfolds across the Gulf. As the month concludes, communities prepare for the Eid Al Fitr 2026 date, marking the end of fasting and the start of celebrations.