Ramadan, Islam's holy month, is a time of profound spiritual reflection, communal bonding, and charitable giving. In the UAE, this special period takes on an exceptional vibrancy, with Emiratis embracing the traditions and values of Ramadan in heartwarming ways.

As the crescent moon heralds the arrival of Ramadan 2025, Muslims across the UAE will fast, engage in extra prayers and increase their acts of charity. Mosques will become beacons of light, filled with worshippers seeking spiritual solace, while families will gather to share Iftar meals, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories.

An incredible surge in charitable giving marks the spirit of Ramadan in the UAE. With most Muslims planning to donate to worthy causes, Ramadan often witnesses a 30–50% rise in donations compared to other months. Organisations like the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) are pivotal, launching large-scale initiatives to provide Iftar meals to over a million people and distributing Ramadan food baskets to those in need nationwide.

Join The Sandy Times as we uncover the essence of Ramadan in the UAE, a time of spiritual growth, community and generosity. Below are the key practices during Ramadan in the UAE.

The heart of Ramadan lies in its core practice: Sawm, or fasting. From the first call to prayer at Fajr until the sun dips below the horizon, signalling Maghrib, Muslims in the UAE abstain from food, drink, and smoking. This act of self-discipline and devotion is one of the five pillars of Islam, a fundamental practice observed by capable Muslims worldwide.

Ramadan's commencement is tied to the lunar calendar, beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon. This celestial event marks the start of a period of reflection and spiritual growth that lasts either 29 or 30 days, concluding with the sighting of the subsequent crescent.  

Throughout this time, the daily fast serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, gratitude and connection with one's faith. It is a time for increased prayer while embracing the physical and spiritual challenges and rewards of fasting.

As the fast is broken, another beautiful tradition comes to life: Taraweeh prayers. These special nightly congregational prayers, performed after the Isha prayer, are a valuable aspect of Ramadan's spiritual landscape. Taraweeh offers an incredible opportunity for worshippers to connect with their faith, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their relationship with God.

Across the UAE, mosques become vibrant hubs of devotion during Taraweeh. From the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, a global architectural marvel, to the serene ambience of its Dubai branch near Festival City, which hosts renowned Quran reciters, worshippers find solace and inspiration. 

Other significant locations, such as the King Faisal Mosque in Sharjah, which can accommodate hundreds of thousands of worshipers, and the historic Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Ras Al Khaimah, provide diverse settings for reflection. Even smaller community mosques like the Maryam bint Sultan Mosque in Al Mushrif, known for its welcoming atmosphere and free Iftar meals, play an essential role.

As Ramadan 2025 approaches in the UAE, the spirit of Ramadan Kareem will again inspire residents to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate. Giving back to the community is a central theme of this holy month, with Muslims and non-Muslims seeking opportunities to contribute.

The UAE offers numerous avenues for charitable acts, from donating Iftar meals to supporting established charities. While contributing directly to those in need is encouraged, it is essential to do so through the proper channels. Donating Iftar meals is a common and commendable practice during Ramadan in the UAE and can be done through licensed charities like the Dar Al Ber Society or the Dubai Charity Association. 

Distributing meals at mosques or in neighbourhoods requires prior permission from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) to ensure food safety and proper organisation.

Direct cash donations should always be channelled through licensed non-profit charity groups. Independent fundraising campaigns are against the law in the UAE, with hefty fines in place to protect the community. Supporting family and friends in need is permissible, but residents are advised to avoid participating in fundraising campaigns not organised by recognised charities. It is also crucial to remember that giving money to beggars is illegal in the UAE, as begging itself is a punishable offence.

Through careful planning and adherence to regulations, residents can significantly improve their community and embody the true spirit of Ramadan 2025 UAE.

From the first night of Ramadan, families across the UAE come together, marking the beginning of this special period with shared meals and heartfelt connections. This initial family gathering sets the tone for the entire month, emphasising the values of gratitude and compassion that is the actual meaning of Ramadan. It is a moment to reflect on the past year and express appreciation for the blessings received.

The warmth of family gatherings illuminates the Ramadan nights in the UAE, fostering a sense of belonging and reinforcing the importance of kinship.

Ramadan is a profoundly spiritual journey, a time for introspection and a renewed focus on faith. Central to this experience is the recitation of the Quran. Mosques across the UAE become havens for worshippers, filled with melodious recitations of the Holy Quran, particularly during Taraweeh prayers. Institutions like the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre in Dubai often host renowned Quran reciters worldwide, enriching the spiritual atmosphere.

Muslims devote significant time to reading and reflecting upon the Quran's teachings throughout the month. This focus intensifies as Ramadan progresses, especially during the last ten days, when many Muslims engage in Qiyam al-Layl, extra-night prayers, seeking the blessings of Laylat Al Qadr, the Night of Decree, believed to be the night the Quran was first revealed.

Ramadan provides a unique opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth. Moreover, it is a time to identify harmful behaviours, cultivate patience, and practice gratitude for the blessings in one's life.