UAE Astronomy Centre Announces Projected Dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2027

The UAE's Astronomy Centre has released its projected dates for the key Islamic events of 2027, providing Muslims across the country with an early guide to plan around Ramadan and the subsequent holidays.

According to current astronomical calculations, the holy month of Ramadan is predicted to begin on February 8, 2027, pending the traditional sighting of the crescent moon. Because the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, its dates shift earlier by about 10 to 12 days each Gregorian year. Ramadan is expected to last either 29 or 30 days, likely concluding on either March 8 or March 9.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, breaking the fast each evening with iftar and often partaking in a pre-fast meal called suhoor before dawn. The month is dedicated to fasting, prayer, community service, family time, and deepening spiritual devotion.

Following the conclusion of Ramadan, the Eid Al Fitr holiday will begin. Astronomy Centre calculations indicate that if Ramadan completes 30 days, the break is likely to start on March 10. If the fasting month lasts 29 days, the expected holiday dates will run from March 9 to March 11.

Under UAE Cabinet law, public- and private-sector employees typically receive three paid holidays for the first three days of Shawwal. If the crescent moon for Shawwal is not sighted on the 29th evening, extending Ramadan to 30 days, Ramadan 30 will also be declared a public holiday, potentially resulting in an extended break of up to six days when combined with the weekend. Residents are advised to treat these dates as a general guide until official confirmation is made closer to the moon-sighting events.