Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, February 8, 2027, in the United Arab Emirates, according to current astronomical calculations. However, the official date will only be confirmed after the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Sunday, February 7, as reported by Gulf News.
Moon Sighting and Official Confirmation
The UAE's Moon Sighting Committee and relevant religious authorities will have the final say on when the holy month officially starts. If the crescent moon is sighted on February 7, Muslims will observe their first Tarawih prayers that evening and begin fasting the next day, February 8.
Eid Al Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, is currently forecast for Wednesday, March 10, 2027. This date remains subject to official confirmation based on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
Why Ramadan Dates Shift Each Year
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months and runs about 354 days—roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This difference causes the holy month to shift earlier by approximately 10 to 11 days each year. Over a cycle of about 33 years, Muslims experience fasting across every season.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest period for Muslims. It marks the month in which the Quran is believed to have been first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During this period, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and smoking, while focusing on prayer, charity, and community.
Implications for Businesses and Planners
The holy month is expected to last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent. For businesses in retail, hospitality, construction, and real estate, the projected dates offer an early planning window for adjusting working hours, project timelines, and seasonal demand cycles.
Official regulations tied to Ramadan working arrangements will be announced closer to the time by relevant UAE authorities. With around 198 days to go before the expected start, Muslim-majority countries are anticipated to begin preparations, from organising mosque programmes and public services to setting out formal moon-sighting procedures.
Despite the precision of modern astronomical tools, the traditional crescent moon sighting remains central to how the beginning of Ramadan is officially determined. The UAE's announcement aligns with similar forecasts in the region, and final confirmation will come after the moon-sighting committee convenes on February 7, 2027.
