Ramadan in the UAE follows the five daily prayers, with fasting observed from Fajr at dawn until Maghrib at sunset. Because prayer times shift slightly each day and vary by emirate, residents and visitors are advised to check an emirate specific timetable to stay accurate and avoid confusion.
This guide explains the key prayer times during Ramadan, what they mean for fasting, and how to use a daily timetable so you can plan meals, prayers, work schedules, and community activities with confidence.
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What You Need to Know at a Glance
During Ramadan, the daily rhythm centers on prayer times. Fajr marks the start of fasting, while Maghrib signals Iftar and the end of the fast. Isha is followed by Taraweeh prayers each night, and the Eid prayer is held shortly after sunrise on the first day of Eid al Fitr.
Because the UAE spans several emirates, prayer times differ by a few minutes depending on location. These small differences matter, especially for fasting and congregational prayers.
The Essential Prayer Timings
Understanding what each key time means helps avoid mistakes, especially for first time observers or guests.
Imsak and Fajr
Imsak is a short period before Fajr that signals the end of Suhoor. Fajr itself marks the official start of the fast. Once Fajr begins, eating and drinking stop until Maghrib.
Maghrib
Maghrib marks sunset and the end of the daily fast. This is when Muslims break their fast at Iftar, often with dates and water, followed by the Maghrib prayer.
Isha and Taraweeh
Isha is the final obligatory prayer of the day. During Ramadan, Taraweeh prayers are held after Isha in mosques across the UAE. These are special nightly congregational prayers unique to Ramadan.
Eid Prayer
The Eid al Fitr prayer is not held at Fajr. It takes place shortly after sunrise on the first day of Eid, once Ramadan officially ends.
Why Prayer Times Differ by Emirate
Prayer times in the UAE are calculated based on the sun’s position. Since emirates are spread across different longitudes, small time differences naturally occur.
Typical examples include:
- Abu Dhabi being about four minutes later than Dubai
- Ras Al Khaimah being about four minutes earlier
- Fujairah being about six minutes earlier
These differences may seem minor, but they are important for fasting and prayer. Always use the timetable for your specific emirate, whether you are in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or elsewhere in the UAE.
How to Use a Ramadan Prayer Timetable
A daily prayer timetable is the most reliable way to stay on track during Ramadan. Here is a simple step by step approach.
- First, find an official or trusted timetable that clearly lists prayer times. Many UAE media outlets and government linked platforms publish these daily schedules.
- Next, set an alarm for Imsak or Fajr. Many people choose to stop eating five to ten minutes before Fajr to be safe.
- Then, set a reminder for Maghrib so you know exactly when to break your fast. This is especially helpful if you are at work or commuting.
- After that, note the Isha time if you plan to attend Taraweeh prayers at a mosque. Mosques usually begin Taraweeh shortly after Isha.
- Finally, on the last days of Ramadan, confirm the announced Eid prayer time and mosque location. Eid prayers are often held in large mosques or open prayer grounds, and times may be announced close to the date.
Ramadan Length and Moon Sighting
Ramadan does not start or end on a fixed date each year. The beginning of Ramadan is confirmed through moon sighting and official announcements in the UAE. Because of this, Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days.
The same applies to Eid al Fitr. The exact day of Eid is confirmed only after the moon sighting, which means plans should remain flexible.
Practical Tips to Avoid Confusion
- Prayer times may differ slightly between published schedules and mosque announcements. This can be due to calculation methods or local adjustments.
- When in doubt, follow your local mosque or official UAE announcements.
- For workplaces, community groups, or family gatherings, always share the exact emirate-based prayer time to avoid misunderstandings.
- If you are traveling within the UAE during Ramadan, check the timetable for your destination emirate rather than relying on your home city’s schedule.
- For guests or non-Muslim colleagues, explaining that fasting depends on Fajr and Maghrib times helps set clear expectations, especially for meetings or social events.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does Ramadan start in the UAE?
The start is confirmed by moon sighting and an official announcement.
2. How long does Ramadan last?
It lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon.
3. Is Eid prayer held at Fajr?
No. Eid prayer is held shortly after sunrise on the first day of Eid.
What This Means Right Now
Ramadan prayer times guide daily life in the UAE, from fasting and prayers to work schedules and community events. Because times change daily and differ by emirate, using an accurate, location specific timetable is essential. Always confirm timings with official sources or your local mosque, especially as Ramadan begins and ends.