Astronomical forecasts indicate the expected dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr in 2027.
Dubai: UAE residents planning ahead for Ramadan and the Eid holidays in 2027 can now get an early idea of the expected dates, based on astronomical calculations.
Initial forecasts indicate when the holy month of Ramadan could begin, along with the anticipated celebrations of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
However, the exact dates will be confirmed only after the official sighting of the crescent moon.
When is Ramadan 2027 expected to start in the UAE?
Ramadan 2027 is forecast to begin on Monday, February 8, according to astronomical predictions.
In October, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society, told Al Khaleej newspaper that the holy month is expected to last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating and drinking throughout daylight hours.
The daily fast ends with iftar, the evening meal eaten after sunset, while suhoor is consumed before dawn in preparation for the following day’s fast.
Ramadan is also a period of spiritual reflection, increased prayers, charitable giving and bringing families and communities closer together.
When is Eid Al Fitr 2027 expected in the UAE?
Eid Al Fitr 2027 is predicted to fall on either Tuesday, March 9, or Wednesday, March 10, depending on the official sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
The two possible dates are based on the length of Ramadan:
- March 9: If the Shawwal crescent is spotted on the evening of March 8, Ramadan will conclude after 29 days, with Eid Al Fitr beginning the next day.
- March 10: If the crescent is not visible, Ramadan will last 30 days, and Eid Al Fitr will begin on Wednesday.
Based on astronomical forecasts, the Eid Al Fitr holiday could start on March 10 if Ramadan completes 30 days.
When will Eid Al Adha 2027 take place?
UAE residents could receive a four-day public holiday from May 15 to May 18, 2027, for Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, according to preliminary predictions.
Arafah Day, considered one of the most sacred days in Islam, is followed by Eid Al Adha, which is observed with three additional public holidays.
However, the final holiday dates will be determined by the official sighting of the Dhu Al Hijja crescent moon.
UAE Eid holidays 2027: Is a six-day break possible?
According to Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, public holidays for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are determined by the Islamic Hijri calendar.
Unlike certain other UAE public holidays, Eid holidays cannot be shifted to the start or end of the working week to create an extended weekend.
Employees in both the public and private sectors are entitled to three paid holidays for Eid Al Fitr, corresponding to the first three days of Shawwal.
If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the final day of the holy month is also designated a public holiday, bringing the total Eid Al Fitr break to four days.
For 2027, this scenario would result in the following holiday schedule:
- Tuesday, March 9: Ramadan 30
- Wednesday, March 10, to Friday, March 12: Eid Al Fitr holidays
- Saturday, March 13, and Sunday, March 14: Regular weekend for employees following a Saturday-Sunday work schedule
This could give eligible UAE residents a six-day holiday from March 9 to March 14, 2027, provided the astronomical predictions are confirmed.
The extended break would depend on Ramadan lasting 30 days and the employee’s regular working schedule.
Important: All dates mentioned are provisional and based on astronomical calculations. The official dates for Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha in 2027 will be announced by the relevant UAE authorities following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moons.
