Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin Monday, February 8, based on current astronomical calculations. That’s the number residents and businesses alike should be working with, at least for now.
Nothing’s official yet. It never is, this early. But the projections give a solid enough window to start planning around.
Ramadan’s Expected Start Date
The International Astronomical Centre has placed the Ramadan conjunction at Saturday, February 6, 2027, at 15:56 UTC. Crescent visibility gets assessed over the following two days, February 6 and February 7.
Based on that calculation, the pre-calculated Hijri calendar lands on Monday, February 8 as the first day of Ramadan. If the official calendar tracks with the astronomical projection, that’s when fasting begins at dawn.
Worth remembering, Ramadan runs on a lunar calendar. Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, and the actual start and end dates only get locked in through official moon sighting. Astronomical calculations give a strong estimate. They’re not the final word.
Still, for businesses trying to plan ahead, hospitality, retail, aviation, anyone juggling staffing schedules — February 8 is a reasonable date to build around. Workforce planning, operating hours, annual leave requests. All of it can start taking shape now, with confirmation coming closer to the date itself.
Read More: UAE Meteor Shower Guide 2026: Perseids Peak Dates, Best Viewing Times and Where to Watch
Eid Al Fitr: March 9 Or March 10
This one hinges entirely on whether Ramadan runs 29 or 30 days. Calculations place the Shawwal conjunction at Monday, March 8, 2027, 09:29 UTC, with crescent visibility spanning March 8 and March 9.
Here’s how it breaks down. A successful sighting after Ramadan’s 29th day would place Eid Al Fitr on Tuesday, March 9. But if Ramadan stretches to a full 30 days, Eid Al Fitr shifts to Wednesday, March 10 instead.
Either way, UAE holiday regulations cover Shawwal 1 through Shawwal 3. And if Ramadan does hit 30 days, that final day becomes an official holiday too, which changes the shape of the break entirely.
A March 9 Eid keeps the core holiday period between March 9 and March 11. But a March 10 Eid, following that longer Ramadan, stretches the holiday window out from March 9 through March 12 instead. One extra day, just from the calendar working out differently.
Eid Al Adha: Expected Mid-May
Looking further ahead, Eid Al Adha is projected for Sunday, May 16, or Monday, May 17, 2027. The Dhul Hijjah conjunction lands on Thursday, May 6, at 10:59 UTC, with crescent observation running May 6 and May 7. Based on that, Dhul Hijjah likely begins either May 7 or May 8, depending on which day the crescent gets confirmed.
Day of Arafah follows from there, falling on either May 15 or May 16. Eid Al Adha comes the day after, on Dhul Hijjah 10.
UAE holiday rules allocate one day for Arafah, followed by three days covering Eid Al Adha itself — Dhul Hijjah 10 through 12. Add it up, and residents get four consecutive holiday days around Arafah and Eid Al Adha, assuming the projected dates hold.
Why Moon Sighting Still Matters
Here’s the thing about all these dates. They’re projections, not promises. UAE authorities confirm every Islamic holiday date through the official moon sighting process, and that rule applies across both public and private sectors — no exceptions carved out either way.
Astronomical calculations exist to give residents and businesses a planning range. Something concrete enough to build a rough calendar around, well before religious authorities issue the final confirmation. But the actual holiday schedule only becomes official once moon sighting confirms it.
Government guidance updated in July 2026 keeps the structure consistent. Eid Al Fitr covers Shawwal 1 through Shawwal 3. Arafah Day falls on Dhul Hijjah 9, followed by three days for Eid Al Adha.
So for now, employers planning 2027 rosters have three solid reference points. February 8 for Ramadan. March 9 or 10 for Eid Al Fitr. May 16 or 17 for Eid Al Adha. Official announcements closer to each date will lock things in for good.
Read More: UAE Public Holidays 2027: When is Next Long Weekend?
FAQs
When does Ramadan 2027 start in the UAE?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, February 8, based on current astronomical calculations, though official confirmation depends on moon sighting.
What are the likely dates for Eid Al Fitr 2027?
Eid Al Fitr is projected for either Tuesday, March 9, or Wednesday, March 10, depending on whether Ramadan runs 29 or 30 days.
When is Eid Al Adha 2027 expected to fall?
Eid Al Adha is forecast for Sunday, May 16, or Monday, May 17, 2027.
How many public holidays are given for Eid Al Adha?
UAE holiday regulations provide one day for Arafah Day plus three days for Eid Al Adha, totalling four consecutive holiday days.
Why aren’t these dates confirmed yet?
Islamic holiday dates in the UAE are officially determined through moon sighting, not astronomical calculation alone. Final confirmation comes closer to each occasion through the UAE’s religious calendar process.
