Tuesday, February 21 marks the beginning of Sha’ban, according to astronomical calculations. The beginning of Sha’ban counts 30 days to the start of Ramadan.
Sighting of the crescent moon is the way Islamic calendar months are calculated, the moon sighting to announce the start of Sha’ban is yet to be announced.
Ramadan is expected to begin on March 22, according to local media reports, and Eid Al Fitr and the first of Shawwal will most likely fall on Friday, April 21.
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The exact dates of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr will be confirmed by the moon-sighting committee closer to the time. Last year, the Holy month began on April 1.
During Ramadan, people would be fasting up to 14 hours per day. Each day, the duration of the fast increases by minutes.
Timings to break fast (Iftar) during the holy month of Ramadan
| DATE | TIMING |
|---|---|
| March 23 | 18:31 (+04) |
| March 24 | 18:32 (+04) |
| March 25 | 18:32 (+04) |
| March 26 | 18:33 (+04) |
| March 27 | 18:33 (+04) |
| March 28 | 18:33 (+04) |
| March 29 | 18:34 (+04) |
| March 30 | 18:34 (+04) |
| March 31 | 18:35 (+04) |
| April 01 | 18:35 (+04) |
| April 02 | 18:36 (+04) |
| April 03 | 18:36 (+04) |
| April 04 | 18:37 (+04) |
| April 05 | 18:37 (+04) |
| April 06 | 18:37 (+04) |
| April 07 | 18:38 (+04) |
| April 08 | 18:38 (+04) |
| April 09 | 18:39 (+04) |
| April 10 | 18:39 (+04) |
| April 11 | 18:40 (+04) |
| April 12 | 18:40 (+04) |
| April 13 | 18:41 (+04) |
| April 14 | 18:41 (+04) |
| April 15 | 18:41 (+04) |
| April 16 | 18:42 (+04) |
| April 17 | 18:42 (+04) |
| April 18 | 18:43 (+04) |
| April 19 | 18:43 (+04) |
| April 20 | 18:44 (+04) |
| April 21 | 18:44 (+04) |
Ramadan rules for non-muslim residents, tourists
It is not mandatory for non-muslims to fast.
However, according to the official UAE government portal, they are prohibited from eating, drinking and smoking in public during fasting hours. This also includes chewing gum.
Additionally, non-Muslim residents and tourists must not:
- Engage in any aggressive behaviour
- Dance or play music in public although you may listen to music quietly with headphones
- Wear inappropriate clothing in public
- Swear as blasphemy is considered extra offensive during Ramadan
- Refuse a gift, or an invitation to join someone at Iftar
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