Ramadan in Dubai for tourists: 2027 dates, rules and etiquette

When is Ramadan in 2027?

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin in the UAE on Monday 8 February and end on 8 or 9 March, with Eid al-Fitr on 9 or 10 March. These are astronomical forecasts. The official dates are set by moon sighting: the UAE follows the announcement of its moon-sighting committee under the UAE Council for Fatwa, according to u.ae, and Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days depending on the next sighting.

Checked 2 November 2026. Forecast from the UAE’s Astronomy Centre, reported by Khaleej Times; Gulf News reports the same 8 February start, subject to official confirmation.

If your dates are tight around the start or the end, allow for a one-day shift either way. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year.

What changes for tourists during Ramadan?

Most of Dubai carries on as normal, but the rhythm of the day changes. Muslims who are fasting don’t eat, drink or smoke from dawn to sunset, so days are quieter and evenings much busier. Visitors who aren’t Muslim are not required to fast.

The main practical changes, from u.ae and Visit Dubai:

• Working hours are shorter. UAE labour law cuts the working day by two hours during Ramadan, so offices close earlier.
• Malls open late, and supermarkets keep their normal hours.
• Attractions stay open, though some shift their hours to open and close later. Check times for anything you’ve booked.
• Taxis are harder to find around sunset, when many drivers stop to break their fast, so book ahead for that window.
• The metro kept its normal hours in Ramadan 2026, according to the RTA, which publishes Ramadan timings each year shortly before the month begins. Bus times are in the S’hail app.

Can you eat and drink in public?

Yes. Dubai’s official tourism site says “eating and drinking in public are allowed at all times” for people who aren’t fasting, and that restaurants carry on as usual (Visit Dubai). Its FAQ adds that you may choose to avoid eating and drinking in public out of respect for those who are fasting.

That leaves the choice with you, and simple courtesy goes a long way. Drink water when you need it, especially in the heat, but sit down in a café or restaurant for a meal rather than eating on the move, and don’t eat in front of someone you know is fasting, such as your driver or guide. The UAE government portal also notes that mall food courts set aside dining areas away from people who are fasting.

This is Dubai’s guidance. If you take a day trip to another emirate, check the local position before you go.

Are restaurants, malls and attractions open?

Yes, everything is open. Visit Dubai says restaurants are not closed during Ramadan and non-fasting guests can eat and drink as usual. A few smaller outlets close in the daytime but open by sundown, and many restaurants run later hours with special iftar and suhoor menus. Hotels operate normally, though some of their restaurants change their hours.

Shopping is one of the month’s highlights: malls stay open late, and night markets sell traditional items, clothing and food. Book restaurant tables for the evening, when the city comes out.

What are iftar and suhoor, and can visitors join in?

Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, and suhoor is the meal eaten before dawn. Visitors are welcome at both. Sunset in Dubai falls at about 6.07pm on 8 February 2027 and about 6.24pm on 9 March, according to timeanddate.com, so iftar moves later through the month.

Ways to take part:

1. Book a hotel Ramadan tent. Many hotels set up tents serving iftar buffets and later suhoor, often with traditional Emirati dishes.
2. Join a cultural iftar. Visit Dubai recommends the iftar at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding in Al Fahidi, which it says is especially popular with first-time visitors.
3. Visit a Ramadan market in the evening for food, clothing and gifts.
4. Watch for the sunset cannon, which Visit Dubai describes as the city’s most famous Ramadan tradition.

The fast is traditionally broken with dates and water or laban, followed by a fuller meal.

Do desert safaris and tours run during Ramadan?

Yes. Desert safaris run throughout Ramadan, but evening shows at desert camps change. Arabian Adventures, for example, says on its Visit Dubai Experiences listing that there is no belly dance performance during Ramadan, and that guests break the fast on a dune at sunset with dates and a hibiscus drink.

Before you book any evening safari for Ramadan, ask the operator what the evening includes on your date; our team can tell you what’s planned for our private evening safari too. A morning trip is a simple alternative: the morning, evening or overnight guide compares the options, and the desert safari guide covers the basics.

What about alcohol and music?

Neither Visit Dubai’s Ramadan guidance nor the UAE government portal sets a separate rule for visitors on alcohol or music, and we haven’t added rules that official sources don’t state. The year-round rule on alcohol still applies: Visit Dubai says it is served in licensed venues to people aged 21 and over, with zero tolerance for drunken behaviour. Venues set their own Ramadan hours and entertainment, so ask your hotel or the venue directly.

What etiquette should visitors follow?

Respect for people who are fasting covers most of it. Visit Dubai’s Ramadan guide suggests a few easy ways to join in:

• Greet people with “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak”. People are generally happy to answer questions about the month.
• Bring a small gift if you’re invited to an Emirati home, such as a box of dates or oud perfume.
• Give to charity. Many shops and restaurants let you add a small donation to your bill for licensed charities.
• Dress with the place in mind. Beachwear is fine at hotel beaches and pools; elsewhere, cover shoulders and knees. The dress code guide has the details.

Is Ramadan a good time to visit Dubai?

Yes, for most visitors. Visit Dubai says Ramadan can be a great time to come: restaurants and activities stay open during the day, and the evenings are lively with iftars, markets and families out late. In 2027 it also falls in some of the year’s best weather, with average highs of 24.6°C in February and 27.9°C in March, according to the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology.

It suits you less if your trip depends on a particular show or night out, since venues may change their programme for the month. Around Eid, Visit Dubai says the city usually gets a long weekend of three to five days. For the rest of the year’s calendar, see the best time to visit Dubai.