Ramadan is fast approaching. The holy month of fasting, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide, holds deep spiritual significance and ushers in a time of devout observance and self-reflection. As the crescent moon heralds the arrival of Ramadan 2025 in UAE, families and communities unite in a period of fasting from dawn to dusk, engaging in acts of charity, suhoor and iftar gatherings, and prayer. This year, the Ramadan timetable 2025 is anticipated to start around Feb. 28, depending on the sighting of the moon by the official Moon Sighting Committee, and will continue for 29 or 30 days until the beginning of May. Read on for everything we know about Ramadan 2025 so far, including the Ramadan dates 2025:
Starting date of Ramadan 2025
Ramadan 2025 in UAE is expected to begin on or around Feb. 28 depending on the sighting of the moon. As the lunar Islamic calendar is approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar used worldwide, the start of Ramadan shifts each year.
Ending date
Ramadan is anticipated to conclude on or around March 31, depending on the sighting of the moon, which will usher in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. This festival is one of the most joyous occasions in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the holy month of fasting.
Fasting hours for Ramadan 2025 in UAE
On the first day of Ramadan, the duration of fasting is anticipated to be 12 hours and 58 minutes. By the 11th day, as the Fajr prayers start at 5:16 AM and Maghrib prayers conclude at 6:29 PM, the fasting duration will extend to 13 hours and 13 minutes. By the end of the month, the fasting period will reach 13 hours and 41 minutes.
The fasting hours in 2025 are shorter compared to 2024. Last year, the length of fasting ranged from 13 hours and 16 minutes to nearly 14 hours.
Other important dates
During Ramadan 2025 in UAE, several important dates and practices stand out, each carrying its own significance and set of observances.
The First Day of Ramadan 2025:
This is when the fasting begins. It’s a time of great significance as it marks the start of a month dedicated to worship, reflection, and community.
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power):
Believed to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan, most commonly celebrated on the 27th night. It is considered the holiest night in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Prayers during this night are said to be more valuable than those of a thousand months.
The Last Ten Days of Ramadan:
These days hold special significance due to their association with Laylat al-Qadr. Many devout Muslims spend these nights in prayer and reflection, often performing Itikaf, where they remain in the mosque for extensive worship and meditation.
Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast):
Occurring immediately after the end of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal, Eid al-Fitr is a day of celebration marking the end of fasting. Muslims gather for a special community prayer in the morning, followed by festive meals and social gatherings. It is also a time of charity known as “Zakat al-Fitr,” where Muslims give to those in need.
Middle of Ramadan (15th day):
Some communities place special emphasis on the halfway point of Ramadan as a time to evaluate one’s fasting and spiritual activities, ensuring that the remainder of the month is as devout as possible.
Office hours and school timings for Ramadan 2025 in Dubai
During Ramadan, both school and work schedules are typically adjusted to accommodate fasting hours. School days are usually reduced by two hours. Similarly, government offices and private sector businesses modify their operating hours.
Salik rates
During Ramadan 2025 in UAE, the pricing for toll gates will operate on an adjusted schedule. Peak-hour toll rates of AED 6 will be charged every time a vehicle passes under the toll gate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The rate will drop to AED 4 during off-peak hours, which run from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. Toll charges will be waived from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. from Monday to Saturday throughout Ramadan.
On Sundays (excluding public holidays and major events), a flat Salik fee of AED 4 will apply from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., with no charge from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.
FAQ’s
What are Ramadan dates for 2025?
We expect Ramadan in 2025 to begin on or around Feb. 28 and end on or around March 31, based on the moon’s sighting. The exact start and end dates may vary slightly as they are determined by the sighting of the moon, which marks the beginning and conclusion of each Islamic lunar month. Observers around the world keenly await their local moon sighting committee’s announcement to confirm the precise dates.
How many days until Ramadan 2025?
As of now, there are approximately 23 days until the anticipated start of Ramadan 2025 in the UAE, if we consider it beginning around Feb. 28. The countdown to Ramadan brings a time of preparation and anticipation for Muslims, as they ready themselves spiritually and physically for a month of fasting, waqf, prayer, and reflection.
When is Eid this year?
We expect to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, around March 31 in 2025. This celebration is contingent on the sighting of the moon, which will signify the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion filled with community prayers, feasts, and charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, which is given to the needy.
In which year Ramadan will come twice?
Muslims will observe Ramadan twice in the year 2030. The Islamic calendar is lunar, about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This discrepancy causes Islamic months and holidays to shift earlier each year. In 2030, Ramadan is expected to begin in early January and then again in late December, marking a rare occurrence when Muslims will observe two months of Ramadan in the same Gregorian year. Double the Ramadan events? We think so.
