Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February, subject to the official moon sighting, and to last 29 or 30 days, with Eid Al Fitr expected on 9 or 10 March 2027, according to UAE astronomy bodies quoted in the press. For a February or March trip, Dubai stays open and its evenings come alive, but daytime is quieter, opening hours shift and some entertainment is toned down. This guide gives the dates, a week-by-week view of the trip and what to book, from the desert safari to Burj Khalifa.
By SB Excursions · Published 28 October 2026 · Updated 28 October 2026
Tour on this route: Full-Day Desert Safari in Dubai — From $45 per person, 7 hours.
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Dubai?
It is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, subject to the official moon sighting. It lasts 29 or 30 days, and Eid Al Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027. Ramadan starts about 10 days earlier each year.
This guide also answers:
- When is Eid Al Fitr 2027?
- Does the desert safari run during Ramadan?
- Do Burj Khalifa hours change in Ramadan?
Five things to plan around Ramadan
#1
Iftar at sunset
Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, traditionally with dates and water before dinner. Hotels and restaurants serve special iftar menus, and many places are fullest right after sunset, so book ahead. If you are not fasting, plan an iftar dinner for the atmosphere, and eat lunch discreetly. Our iftar guide has more.
#2
The desert safari
Our full-day safari has dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride and a BBQ dinner at the camp. During Ramadan, entertainment and alcohol service may be limited or modified, so the evening can be quieter than usual. It is from $45 per person with hotel pickup and no prepayment. Ask us about the programme for your date.
#3
Burj Khalifa after sunset
Opening hours change during Ramadan, and we confirm your slot against the current timetable before you pay. Tickets are from $55 for Levels 124 and 125 and are issued for a fixed date and time, with no refunds or changes once issued. February and March are in the clearest-air months, so an evening slot works well.
#4
Old Dubai in the evening
In Ramadan, souk shops often open later and stay open late, so the Spice and Gold Souks feel different from the rest of the year. Our Old Dubai walking tour is from $35 and 3-4 hours on foot; ask us what is open on your date before you commit.
#5
Abu Dhabi: mosque and temple
Visiting hours at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can change during Ramadan, so check the current timetable before choosing a date, and check the Mandir's hours too. The dress code is mandatory on our Abu Dhabi tour: women need loose clothing covering ankles and wrists plus a headscarf, and men must cover shoulders and knees.
Ramadan 2027 in Dubai: the short answer
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February. The Emirates Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Center, quoted in UAE media, expect it to last 29 or 30 days, with Eid Al Fitr on 9 or 10 March 2027. The start is subject to the official moon sighting, so the date can move by a day.
For a trip in February or March, the practical answer is that Dubai stays open and the evenings are lively, but the daytime rhythm changes: shorter opening hours, quieter streets and less entertainment. Ramadan starts about 10 days earlier each year, so dates from older guides will not apply. We cover what to expect and which of our tours are affected.
The expected dates
These are expected dates as of 29 October 2026. The official announcement follows the moon sighting.
| What | Expected date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Monday 8 February 2027 | Subject to the official moon sighting |
| Length | 29 or 30 days | Depends on the moon |
| Eid Al Fitr | Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March 2027 | Public holiday; the busiest days for hotels and attractions |
| Eid Al Adha | Likely 16 or 17 May 2027 | Not part of a typical February-March trip |
Dates quoted in UAE media from the Emirates Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Center; confirm with the official announcement.
If your dates are flexible, the clean choices are 1 to 7 February, before Ramadan starts, or from about 11 March, after Eid. Our best time to visit Dubai month by month shows how the weather compares.
A February or March trip, week by week
Weather is excellent at both ends: highs are roughly 24-26°C in February and 27-30°C in March, so it is peak season, and Ramadan is the thing that changes the plan.
| Dates | Status | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 7 February | Before Ramadan | Normal opening hours and entertainment |
| 8 February to about 8 March | Ramadan | Quiet days, lively evenings, shifted hours, toned-down entertainment |
| 9 or 10 March | Eid Al Fitr (expected) | Public holiday; busy hotels, attractions and roads |
| From about 11 March | After Eid | Back to normal, in warm weather |
Dates are expected, not confirmed. Plan with a day's flexibility either side.
Our Dubai in February and Dubai in March guides cover the months in detail, and the Ramadan guide for tourists covers the daily rules.
What changes in daily life for a visitor
Dubai does not shut down in Ramadan. Hotels, malls, the Metro and most attractions keep running. A few things shift:
- Eating and drinking in public. Out of respect for people who are fasting, avoid eating, drinking or smoking openly in public during daylight. Many hotels and malls keep food outlets open during the day and others open only after sunset; policies differ by venue.
- Opening hours. Many places open later in the day and stay open late into the night. Check the hours for each attraction before you go.
- Dress. Dress a little more modestly than usual in public places: shoulders and knees covered. Our dress code guide covers the details.
- Music and noise. Live music and entertainment are often reduced, and loud music in public is best avoided.
- Evenings. After sunset the city is busy: restaurants fill, souks stay open late and families gather.
None of this is an obstacle for a normal sightseeing trip, but it is a different rhythm, and it is worth knowing before you book a day-time-only itinerary.
Our tours during Ramadan
Several of our experiences are affected, and we say so before you book. The full-day desert safari is from $45 per person, or $65 with a 30-minute quad bike. It lasts 7 hours with hotel pickup, and you agree the date on WhatsApp and pay on the day. During Ramadan, entertainment and alcohol service may be limited or modified, so ask what the camp programme looks like for your date. In February, bring a light jacket for the evening.
Burj Khalifa tickets are from $55 for Levels 124 and 125. Opening hours change during Ramadan, and we confirm your slot against the current timetable. Tickets are for a fixed date and time and cannot be refunded or changed once issued, so check the date first. Our best time to visit Burj Khalifa guide explains which slot to ask for.
The Abu Dhabi city tour is from $45 per person shared, with 8:00 AM pickup. Visiting hours at the Grand Mosque can change during Ramadan, so check before you pick a date, and tell us on WhatsApp if you have a fixed day. Our Old Dubai walking tour is from $35 and mostly outdoors, and February is a comfortable month for it.
Practical tips for a Ramadan trip
A little planning removes most of the friction. These habits work well in the weeks of Ramadan:
- Sightsee in the morning and late afternoon. Use the middle of the day to rest, and book the main outing for the hours around sunset.
- Expect heavier traffic just before sunset, as people head home or to iftar, and allow extra time for a taxi or a transfer.
- Book dinner for after sunset and reserve ahead, because iftar tables fill first.
- Carry water and drink it discreetly. Stay hydrated, but out of public view during fasting hours.
- Check the hours of each attraction for your date. Hours change, and a late or early opening can reshape a day.
Is Ramadan a good time to visit Dubai?
It depends on what you want from the trip. The honest balance is below.
| In favour | Against |
|---|---|
| Lively evenings and a strong local atmosphere | Daytime is quieter and some places open late |
| Special iftar menus in hotels and restaurants | Entertainment and nightlife are often toned down |
| Excellent weather in February and March | Opening hours change; check each attraction |
| Some hotels charge less than in the weeks around it | Eid Al Fitr days are very busy and expensive |
General pattern; always check hours and rates for your own dates.
Sightseeing and food lovers lose little. A party-focused trip fits better outside Ramadan, because live music and nightlife are often reduced; see the Dubai nightlife guide. Families do well if they schedule the mornings and evenings and rest in the middle.
Eid Al Fitr: plan it early
Eid Al Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027, a public holiday after the month of fasting. Attractions, beaches and malls are busy with families, hotels fill, and prices rise. If your trip covers those days, book hotels, boat slots and fixed-time tickets early, and expect crowds on the roads to Abu Dhabi and the desert.
Nothing here is a reason to avoid February or March. Fix your dates, book what has a fixed slot first and leave the rest flexible. Our public holidays guide lists what closes, and the Dubai weekend and opening hours guide helps with planning around the working week.
FAQ
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Dubai?
It is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, subject to the official moon sighting. It lasts 29 or 30 days, and Eid Al Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027. Ramadan starts about 10 days earlier each year.
When is Eid Al Fitr 2027?
Eid Al Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027, depending on the moon, with Eid Al Adha likely on 16 or 17 May 2027. Confirm with the official announcement.
Is Dubai worth visiting during Ramadan?
Yes, if you accept the different rhythm: quiet days, lively evenings, shorter hours and less entertainment. The weather in February and March is excellent. A party-focused trip fits better outside Ramadan.
Can tourists eat and drink in public during Ramadan?
Out of respect, avoid eating, drinking or smoking openly in public during daylight hours. Many hotels and malls keep food outlets open, and policies vary by venue, so follow the signs and ask the staff. Check official guidance for the final word.
Does the desert safari run during Ramadan?
Our full-day safari is from $45 per person with hotel pickup and no prepayment. During Ramadan, entertainment and alcohol service may be limited or modified, so ask us about the programme for your date on WhatsApp.
Do Burj Khalifa hours change in Ramadan?
Opening hours change during Ramadan, and we confirm your slot against the current timetable before you pay. Tickets start from $55 and cannot be refunded or changed once issued.
What time is iftar in February and March?
Iftar is at sunset, which is about 6:10 PM at the start of Ramadan and about 6:30 PM near the end. Many restaurants fill up right after, so book ahead.
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