The countdown to Ramadan has officially begun after the United Arab Emirates Council for Fatwa confirmed the start of the Islamic month that directly precedes the holy period of fasting. This announcement not only marks a significant spiritual milestone for Muslims across the country but also brings renewed attention to when the next UAE public holiday is likely to fall.
Following verified moon sightings, the Council confirmed that the Islamic month of Rajab will conclude on Monday, January 19. As a result, Tuesday, January 20 has been confirmed as the first day of Shaban. This confirmation is a key moment in the Islamic calendar, as Shaban serves as the final preparatory month before Ramadan begins.
With Shaban now officially underway, residents across Dubai and the wider UAE are turning their attention to what comes next: the start of Ramadan and the much-anticipated Eid Al Fitr break that follows.
Why Shaban matters so much
Shaban holds special significance in the Islamic calendar because it bridges the period between ordinary daily worship and the heightened spiritual discipline of Ramadan. Traditionally, Shaban lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon cycle, and its length directly influences the start date of Ramadan.
For many practising Muslims, Shaban is a time of preparation. Daily routines may begin to shift, sleep schedules are adjusted, and voluntary fasting becomes more common as individuals prepare mentally, spiritually, and physically for Ramadan. It is also a period associated with reflection, intention-setting, and strengthening personal habits that will carry through the month of fasting.
Because Ramadan itself is confirmed only after the sighting of the new crescent moon, the official start date is never fixed far in advance. However, knowing when Shaban begins allows for much more accurate predictions.
When Ramadan is expected to begin
According to projections shared by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, provided that Shaban completes a full 30 days. If the moon is sighted earlier and Shaban lasts only 29 days, then Ramadan would instead begin on Wednesday, February 18.
The final confirmation will come from the UAE Council for Fatwa in coordination with the Moon Sighting Committee, who are scheduled to observe the moon on Tuesday, February 17. As is customary, the official announcement will follow shortly after these observations.
While the difference between the two scenarios is only a single day, that small shift has a notable impact on public holiday planning, business schedules, school calendars, and travel across the UAE.
The spiritual weight of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide through daily fasting from dawn until dusk. During this period, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.
Beyond fasting, Ramadan is characterised by increased prayer, charitable giving, and community gatherings. Even for non-Muslim residents, the month brings a distinctive rhythm to life in the UAE, with adjusted working hours, late-night dining, and a strong focus on family and generosity.
The clarity provided by the start of Shaban allows individuals and organisations to prepare well in advance for these changes.
What this means for the next UAE public holiday
The confirmation of Shaban’s start also sharpens predictions around the next official UAE public holiday: Eid Al Fitr. Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It is one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar and is observed nationwide.
Eid Al Fitr always begins on the first day of Shawwal, and in the UAE, the public holiday typically spans multiple days. Depending on how the lunar calendar unfolds, residents could be looking at either a long weekend or an extended four-day break.
The four possible Eid Al Fitr scenarios
There are four realistic calendar scenarios now in play, each depending on whether Shaban and Ramadan last 29 or 30 days.
If Shaban lasts 29 days, Ramadan would begin on Wednesday, February 18. Should Ramadan also last 29 days, Eid Al Fitr would begin on Thursday, March 19. In this scenario, the UAE could enjoy a four-day holiday, creating a long weekend that many residents would welcome.
If Ramadan begins on February 18 but extends to 30 days, then Eid Al Fitr would start on Friday, March 20. This would most likely result in a three-day public holiday, running through the weekend.
Another possibility is that Shaban lasts 30 days, pushing the start of Ramadan to Thursday, February 19. If Ramadan then lasts 29 days, Eid Al Fitr would also begin on Friday, March 20, again creating a three-day break.
The fourth and final scenario occurs if both Shaban and Ramadan last 30 days. In this case, the first day of Shawwal would fall on Saturday, March 21. Under UAE public holiday regulations, the Eid break would begin on the final day of Ramadan, Friday, March 20, and extend through to Monday, March 23, resulting in a four-day holiday.
Why official confirmation still matters
Although these projections provide a helpful planning window, it is important to remember that the Islamic calendar is lunar-based. The precise start of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr depends entirely on verified moon sightings rather than mathematical calculations alone.
This is why the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee plays such a crucial role each year. While predicted dates are usually accurate within a day, official confirmation always comes closer to the time.
For residents, businesses, and travellers, this final announcement is what locks in leave plans, flight bookings, hotel stays, and family gatherings.
Looking ahead
With Shaban now officially underway, anticipation across the UAE is building. Mosques, households, and workplaces alike are beginning to prepare for Ramadan, while many residents are already eyeing the potential Eid break as an opportunity to rest, travel, or spend quality time with loved ones.
Whether the upcoming public holiday turns out to be three days or four, the confirmation of Shaban’s start has set the wheels in motion. For a country that balances deep-rooted tradition with modern living, this moment is a reminder of how closely faith, daily life, and national rhythm remain intertwined in the UAE.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – 2026 Year of Family: UAE President Reaffirms Family Values
