Cultural tips and rules to follow during Ramadan 2025 in the UAE

From being mindful of fasting Muslims to respectful ways of participating, these are some things you should know about the holy month in the Emirates

Ramadan is expected to begin on March 1 in the UAE this year, according to predictions from astronomers. However, the official start date will be determined by the moon-sighting committee - likely to be after sunset on February 28.

The 29-to-30 day month, the length of which is determined by the moon cycle, is the holiest in Islam and requires Muslims to abstain from all food and drink during daylight hours. Fasting from dawn to dusk strips away distractions for practising Muslims, allowing them to look within instead, focus on faith and empathise with the less fortunate.

For many Muslims, Ramadan is an annual reset. The month represents a complete change in routine, with the faithful reconsidering their priorities, increasing their piety, and gathering more frequently with close friends and family. They typically also increase their charitable contributions, and spend time on personal reflection - all while avoiding negative environments or habits, such as gossiping or swearing.

Ramadan-themed lights along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi in 2024. Victor Besa / The National

For non-Muslims living in the UAE, the spirit of Ramadan can also be felt in the festive lighting of the cities and appearance of iftar tents.

Supermarkets tend to become busier as families stock up on Ramadan essentials, like apricot paste and Vimto, to prepare meals for sunset and working and school hours are reduced in consideration of fasting Muslims, who often stay up late with night prayers and Quran recitation.

If this is your first Ramadan in the UAE, here are a few things to look out for – from official rules to cultural tips or recommendations.

Do not eat, drink or smoke in public, where possible

During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, smoke or drink from sunrise (fajr) to sunset (maghrib) - each marked with prayers. Though most restaurants and cafes remain open across the country, non-Muslims are encouraged not to eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum publicly in non-designated places while the Sun is out.

Officially, doing so is against the law and could result in a Dh2,000 ($545) fine or a jail sentence of no more than a month - but this is rarely applied.

Non-fasting people can do all of these things in private or designated areas, including at restaurants and cafes.

At work, companies must provide a room for people to eat away from those fasting.

Water can be consumed at the gym and private beaches but it is best to be mindful about drinking when going to and from the car park.

You can eat, drink and smoke in your car if the interior of your vehicle is not visible. Discretion is generally advised.

Children are also able to eat and drink in public, regardless of their location.

If you forget and are seen eating or drinking publicly, it is best to apologise and try to avoid making the mistake again. Ramadan is also about practising patience, so people are typically forgiving about mistakes if it is clear there is no ill intention.

Dozens of men prepare to break their fast with an iftar meal provided by Dar El Ber Society in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National

Be mindful around fasting Muslims

As at other times of the year – but especially during Ramadan – people should avoid demonstrative acts of affection in public, as this can be an offence.

People should also avoid making a scene in public as it is generally a time of peaceful reflection and piety.

Men and women are encouraged to dress more modestly during the holy month, avoiding revealing and tight clothing. Swimwear is still acceptable at public beaches and hotel pools, which will be open as usual.

Non-Muslims should consider whether they have Muslim friends who are fasting before using strong language or making jokes that could be deemed inappropriate.

It is also best to avoid playing music loudly during the holy month and to use headphones instead – particularly during prayers or the call to prayer.

Get involved where appropriate

Non-Muslims can certainly try their hand at fasting by attending iftar and suhoor tents at hotels and participating in charitable initiatives if they wish to partake in aspects of the holy month.

If invited to iftar, as with any such offer, it is polite to attend. It is not a requirement, but it is never wrong to bring a gift when visiting someone’s home. It is advisable to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before maghrib. Turning up with a box of dates or sweets in hand will not go amiss.

Watching the iftar cannon go off, which signals the setting of the Sun, at a park or mosque can also be a nice experience, particularly for children who can learn about its significance during the holy month.

A crowd gathers to watch the cannon fired on the final day of Ramadan 2024 at Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, Qasr Al Hosn, to signal the start of maghrib prayers and the breaking of the day’s fast. Victor Besa / The National

During Ramadan, Muslims tend to give more to charity and people are invited to practise the spirit of giving. Non-Muslims can also take this time to donate to charity or carry out volunteer work.

Some families choose to put up tents – in co-ordination with their respective municipalities and Emirates Red Crescent – to feed low-income workers in the area.

Those who wish to set up a tent must go through a licensing procedure that involves receiving temporary permits from the municipality.

Iftar and prayer timings for Ramadan 2025:

With Ramadan falling earlier with every year, Muslims can expect to fast for a slightly shorter time period than they did last year but the days lengthen towards the end of the month.

This year, Muslims in the UAE will begin the month by fasting for about 14 hours and 13 minutes. The fasting time will steadily increase as the holy month progresses. By the end of Ramadan, the fast will last for 14 hours and 55 minutes.