Ramadan 2025 in the UAE: Dates, Traditions, and Must-Know Guidelines

Ramadan is a pretty big deal for Muslims all over the globe. This holy month of Islam marks a time when everyone pays extra attention to their internal and external purification by fasting from dawn till sunset and by abstaining from sinful actions.

UAE being a Muslim country also observes this month with great excitement. Ramadan brings with it so many changes in terms of working hours, school timing, market timing, etc. Knowing the key Ramadan dates and guidelines can thus help you go through the month without much trouble especially when you are an outsider.

The CEO of B A Barry Group and the founder of Geohoney, Mr Basem Barry says

“Ramadan brings a lot of opportunities for us to connect better with our faith and give something back to the community. It is the traditions associated with this month that show the true Islamic spirit to the world.”

This blog deals with key UAE Ramadan dates, timings, traditions, and more. So, keep on reading till the end to make the most of this month in the Emirates.

• Ramadan In the UAE: Key Dates
• Key Changes in the UAE During Ramadan 2025
• Working Hours
• School Hours
• Shopping and Dining Adjustments
• Transport Changes
• Ramadan 2025 in the UAE: Key Traditions
• Fasting, Iftar, and Suhoor
• Ramadan Tents
• Gergaoon
• Ramadan Night Markets
• Taraweeh Prayer
• Family Gatherings
• Charity
• Zakat Al Fitr
• Must-Know Guidelines for Ramadan 2025 in the UAE

Ramadan In the UAE: Key Dates

The start of Ramadan, the 9th and the most holy month of the Islamic calendar, depends on the official moon sighting. This year Ramadan is expected to start on March 1, or 2 2025. The exact date is issued after a confirmation from UAE’s moon sighting committee. This committee begins the search for the new moon on the 29th of the previous month (Shabaan).

The month of Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days followed by Eid ul Fitr which marks the end of fasting. Ramadan is thus expected to end on either March 29 or 30 2025.

Ramadan holds special significance for Muslims for a number of reasons. This is the month when the Quran was completed. Moreover, it is during Ramadan that Muslims observe Fasting which is among the main 5 pillars of Islam.

The fast lasts from Fajr (daybreak) till Maghrib (sunset) during which you are not allowed to eat or drink anything. Apart from fasting, charity, self-reflection, and community building are all important aspects of the holy month of Ramadan.

Key Changes in the UAE During Ramadan 2025

Following are some major changes that you can expect to see during Ramadan 2025 in the UAE

Working Hours

The UAE cabinet resolution No 1. of 2022 states that during Ramadan the workday will be shortened by 2 hours for all employees in the private and public sectors regardless of their religious backgrounds.

Some essential government offices may choose to operate on a split-shift system to accommodate public needs. This resolution also declares that there will be no salary deductions for the reduced working hours.

Some services like retail, healthcare, and hospitality may work on slightly different schedules based on the nature of their operations.  

The purpose of this adjustment is to ensure everyone has enough time to pray and fulfill family commitments during the month of Ramadan.

School Hours

Both public and private schools have to stay open for 5 hours every day and should be closed at 12 PM to give both teachers and the students enough time to rest and pray.

Some schools can change the starting and ending times but they are not to exceed the 5-hour limit during Ramadan. 

Shopping and Dining Adjustments

• Ramadan brings changes in mall hours as well as restaurant operations in the UAE. The mall hours are extended till late at night to facilitate shoppers who prefer going out after Iftar and Taraweeh prayers. You can also expect to see Ramadan-themed events, decorations, and promotions in the major Malls.
• Most supermarkets operate as usual while some offer extended hours. These supermarkets introduce special offers, exclusive Ramadan discounts, household items and groceries during this time.
• Restaurants and cafes stop Dine-in services during the daytime to respect fasting. However, the takeaway and delivery services are open throughout the day. Some restaurants offer enclosed dining areas for people who are not able to observe fasting.
• Most restraints give special Iftar and Suhoor Menus for travellers and people looking to eat out.      

Transport Changes

There is also a huge change in public transportation systems as well as Salik tolls during Ramadan in the UAE.

• During peak hours (9 AM to 5 PM) the salik toll fee will be Dh6 per gate on weekdays.
• In off-peak hours (7 AM to 9 AM & 5 PM to 2 AM) the salik toll fee will be Dh4 per gate.
• No charge will be applied from 2 AM to 7 AM to support Suhoor and Fajar times.
• Dubai Metro will offer extended operating hours to facilitate late-night travel, Iftaar, and Taraweeh.
• Bus station timing will be aligned with Suhoor and Iftaar times with additional services being offered during peak prayer times.
• Taxi services will offer increased availability during Iftar, Suhoor, and late-night hours to facilitate travellers.

Ramadan 2025 in the UAE: Key Traditions

Ramadan is a pretty vibrant time of the year in the UAE where you get to see the true local culture and Islamic values on every corner.

Here are some major traditions that you need to watch out for during Ramadan 2025 in the UAE

1. Fasting, Iftar, and Suhoor

Fasting is among the main cornerstones of the Islamic Faith. The fast starts from the Fajr prayer and lasts till Maghrib. The two main meals that take place during Ramadan are Iftar and Suhoor. These meals are enjoyed by families together for 30 days. In some areas, trained soldiers fire cannons to remind the locals of these two times for 30 days which is another age-old tradition in the UAE.

1. Ramadan Tents

Generous and wealthy Emiratis sponsor Iftar and Suhoor tents where they serve free meals to the less privileged for the entire month of Ramadan. You can expect to see these tents in a number of places, the most notable of which are Al-Majlis in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Opera, Jumeirah Emirates Tower, etc. 

1. Gergaoon

This is another ancient tradition that is celebrated on the 14th night of every Ramadan in the UAE and other Gulf regions. In this tradition, kids go door to door carrying baskets to collect sweets from their neighbours as a reward for them keeping their fasts. 

1. Ramadan Night Markets

Ramadan night markets are another key tradition in the UAE which gives you an opportunity to experience the true Emirati culture. These markets give you clothing, accessories, home décor, and traditional crafts stalls that you can explore all night.

Souk Al Marfa, Night Market at Bluewaters Island, Ramadan Night Market at Al Seef, and Mercato Mall Ramadan Night Markets are some popular spots that you can check out.   

1. Taraweeh Prayer

This is a voluntary prayer that is held after the Isha prayer (night’s prayer) in mosques all over the UAE. The whole of the Quran is recited by splitting it up into sections for 30 days in this prayer. This age-old Ramadan tradition is also observed in other Muslim countries across the globe.

1. Family Gatherings

Ramadan is the month when families and friends invite their closest to Iftaar parties and dinners. During these events, traditional Emirati meals are prepared and shared with the community. This creates stronger familial and communal bonds.

1. Charity

Ramadan is all about giving and caring which is why during this month Muslims tend to become extra charitable. The UAE locals will give away free food and money to the poor during this time. This creates an air of unity and harmony where no one is left behind when it comes to Ramadan celebrations.

1. Zakat Al Fitr

This is a special donation that every Muslim must give before they say their Eid prayers after the month of Ramadan has ended. Parents or guardians can pay the Zakat Al Fitr on behalf of their kids. This tradition supports the less privileged in the area who are not able to provide for their families during this time.

Must-Know Guidelines for Ramadan 2025 in the UAE

Following are some important guidelines that you need to consider if you are spending your Ramadan 2025 in the UAE.

• Follow all the Ramadan rules and respect the region’s culture and traditions.
• Follow a modest dress code to show respect to the people observing the fast.
• Avoid eating or drinking in public spaces.
• If you have Iftar or Suhoor plans, make sure to book in advance as restaurants are crowded during these times.
• Avoid playing loud music in public spaces.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or engaging in inappropriate behaviours publicly.
• Avoid public displays of affection during Ramadan, especially in the daytime.
• People working in offices must find closed areas for lunch that are not visible to the people who are fasting.

Conclusion

Ramadan in the UAE is a very significant event where every Muslim observes a significant shift in their routines and lifestyle. Keeping that in mind, the UAE authorities also implement certain changes in working hours, market timings, and other key areas to accommodate these shifts.

Knowing how Ramadan brings changes to life in the UAE can help you spend quality time during this month. Moreover, by adhering to the local traditions and guidelines concerning Ramadan, you can enjoy the true essence of this month and experience spiritual elation like never before. 

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