Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha 2027: Expected Dates and UAE Public Holidays Revealed
By Thasmiya
Residents across the UAE can begin planning for [Ramadan and the Eid holidays in 2027](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/uae-holidays-2027-possible-6-day-eid-break), as astronomical predictions provide an early indication of when the major Islamic occasions are likely to fall.
According to preliminary calendar calculations, **Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, February 8**, bringing the holy month into the early part of the year.
Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is tentatively expected around March 9 or 10, while Eid Al Adha could begin around May 16.
These dates are not yet officially confirmed.
The UAE will announce the final dates in accordance with the relevant Hijri calendar and official moon-sighting procedures.
Here is what residents need to know about the expected Ramadan and Eid dates, public holidays and potential long weekends in 2027. Families planning the year ahead can also check the [UAE school holiday calendar for 2026–2027](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/uae-school-holidays-20262027-term-dates-mid-term) when considering travel and family arrangements around the expected Eid breaks.
## **When Will Ramadan Begin in the UAE in 2027?**
Ramadan is expected to begin on **Monday, February 8, 2027**, according to astronomical calendar projections.
The Islamic holy month follows the lunar Hijri calendar, which is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
As a result, Ramadan begins earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
In 2026, Ramadan fell in February and March.
For 2027, the holy month is expected to begin in early February and continue into March.
However, the exact start date will depend on the official determination of the beginning of Ramadan.
### **Is February 8 the Confirmed Ramadan Date?**
No.
February 8 is an astronomical estimate rather than an official announcement.
The UAE will confirm the beginning of Ramadan closer to the date.
Residents should follow announcements from the relevant UAE authorities before making arrangements that depend on the exact start of the holy month. Residents planning to perform Umrah can also check our [Umrah from UAE 2026 guide](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/umrah-uae-2026-visa-requirements-packages-costs-book) for visa options, Nusuk booking information and travel budgets.
## **How Long Will Ramadan Last in 2027?**
Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days.
The duration depends on the determination of the beginning of the following Islamic month, Shawwal.
If Ramadan begins on February 8, the end of the holy month is expected around March 8 or 9.
The exact date will determine when Eid Al Fitr begins.
## **Eid Al Fitr 2027: Expected Dates in the UAE**
Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal.
Based on current astronomical estimates, Eid Al Fitr could begin around **Tuesday, March 9, or Wednesday, March 10, 2027**.
The final date will depend on the official calendar determination.
Eid Al Fitr is one of the UAE’s major public holidays, with residents typically receiving several days off to celebrate with family and friends.
### **How Many Days Off Will UAE Residents Get for Eid Al Fitr?**
Under the UAE’s established public holiday framework, Eid Al Fitr is observed from **1 to 3 Shawwal**.
The holiday therefore covers three days.
An additional day may apply under the relevant rules if Ramadan completes 30 days.
The final Gregorian dates and any applicable holiday arrangements will be announced by the authorities.
## **Will Eid Al Fitr 2027 Create a Long Weekend?**
The answer depends on the official start of Shawwal.
If Eid Al Fitr begins on Tuesday, March 9, the three-day holiday would run through Thursday, March 11.
If Eid begins on Wednesday, March 10, the three-day holiday would run through Friday, March 12.
For employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off, the second scenario could create a five-day break when combined with the weekend.
However, this remains a possibility rather than a confirmed holiday schedule.
Actual days off may also depend on the applicable public holiday announcements and individual work arrangements.
## **When Is Eid Al Adha 2027 in the UAE?**
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is expected to begin around **Sunday, May 16, 2027**. For a closer look at the possible holiday length and annual-leave options, see our [Eid Al Adha 2027 guide to the expected dates and long weekend](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/eid-al-adha-2027-uae-expected-date-holiday).
The occasion takes place on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
It is associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God.
Eid Al Adha is among the most important religious occasions observed in the UAE.
The final date will depend on the official determination of the Islamic calendar.
## **Arafat Day 2027: Expected Date**
Arafat Day falls on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, immediately before Eid Al Adha.
For 2027, it is tentatively expected around **Saturday, May 15**.
The day holds special significance during Hajj, when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat near Makkah.
Arafat Day is also recognised as a public holiday in the UAE.
## **How Many Days Off Will UAE Residents Get for Eid Al Adha?**
Under the UAE’s public holiday framework, Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha together account for four days.
These correspond to:
- 9 Dhu Al Hijjah: Arafat Day. - 10 Dhu Al Hijjah: First day of Eid Al Adha. - 11 Dhu Al Hijjah: Second day of Eid Al Adha. - 12 Dhu Al Hijjah: Third day of Eid Al Adha.
If the predicted dates are confirmed, the holiday could fall from Saturday, May 15, to Tuesday, May 18.
However, these Gregorian dates remain provisional.
## **Could Eid Al Adha 2027 Bring a Long Weekend?**
If Arafat Day falls on Saturday, May 15, and Eid Al Adha begins on Sunday, May 16, the holiday period could extend through Tuesday, May 18.
This would create a four-day period covering Saturday to Tuesday.
For employees with a standard Saturday–Sunday weekend, the number of additional working days off would depend on their normal schedule and the final official holiday arrangements.
Residents planning travel should wait for confirmation before relying on these dates.
## **UAE Public Holidays 2027: Ramadan and Eid Calendar**
Here is a quick overview of the major Islamic occasions expected during the first half of 2027. For a broader overview of the year's expected holidays, see the [full list of UAE public holidays in 2027 and potential long weekends](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/uae-public-holidays-2027-full-list-expected-dates).
**Occasion**
**Expected Gregorian Date**
**Public Holiday?**
Ramadan begins
February 8
No
Eid Al Fitr
March 9–11 or March 10–12
Yes
Arafat Day
May 15
Yes
Eid Al Adha
May 16–18
Yes
Ramadan itself is not a public holiday.
However, working hours and daily schedules are adjusted during the holy month under the applicable UAE regulations.
## **Will Working Hours Change During Ramadan 2027?**
Yes. The UAE has established reduced working-hour arrangements during Ramadan.
For private-sector employees, the standard working day is reduced by two hours during the holy month under UAE labour regulations.
Employers may introduce flexible working arrangements or remote work options where appropriate.
Federal government working hours are also adjusted during Ramadan, with specific schedules announced by the relevant authorities.
Individual arrangements can differ depending on the sector and employment category.
Residents should check their employer’s official Ramadan schedule closer to February 2027.
## **What Happens During Ramadan in Dubai and the UAE?**
Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and charitable giving.
Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, while communities across the UAE participate in a wide range of religious and cultural activities.
During Ramadan, residents can expect:
**Iftar gatherings:** Families, friends and communities come together to break their fast after sunset.
**Suhoor experiences:** Restaurants and hotels offer late-night dining experiences before the daily fast begins.
**Charitable initiatives:** Organisations arrange food distributions, donations and community support programmes.
**Ramadan markets:** Seasonal markets and cultural events are often organised across the Emirates.
**Adjusted schedules:** Some businesses, government services and attractions operate with modified hours.
Specific Ramadan 2027 events and programmes will be announced closer to the holy month.
## **How Are Islamic Holiday Dates Confirmed in the UAE?**
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar.
The beginning of a new Islamic month depends on the applicable calendar determination, which may involve astronomical calculations and moon-sighting observations.
For major occasions such as Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, the UAE announces the official dates through the relevant authorities.
Astronomical predictions help residents anticipate likely dates, but they do not replace official announcements.
The start of Dhu Al Hijjah, which determines Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, is also subject to the applicable official calendar determination.
## **Should UAE Residents Book Eid Holidays Now?**
Residents can use the predicted dates as an early planning guide.
However, the exact dates may shift by one day depending on official announcements.
Anyone booking flights, hotels or annual leave should consider flexible travel arrangements where possible.
For employees, the final public holiday schedule will depend on official announcements and their work arrangements.
## **Frequently Asked Questions**
### **When is Ramadan 2027 expected to start in the UAE?**
Ramadan is astronomically expected to begin on Monday, February 8, 2027, subject to official confirmation.
### **When is Eid Al Fitr 2027?**
Eid Al Fitr is expected around March 9 or 10, 2027, depending on the official determination of Shawwal.
### **How many public holidays are there for Eid Al Fitr?**
The standard UAE holiday covers 1 to 3 Shawwal, with an additional day possible under the applicable rules if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
### **When is Eid Al Adha 2027?**
Eid Al Adha is tentatively expected to begin around Sunday, May 16, 2027.
### **When is Arafat Day 2027?**
Arafat Day is expected around Saturday, May 15, 2027.
### **How many days off will UAE residents get for Eid Al Adha?**
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha together account for four days under the established UAE public holiday framework.
### **Is the start of Ramadan a public holiday in the UAE?**
No. The beginning of Ramadan is not a public holiday, although working hours are adjusted during the holy month.
### **Are the 2027 Eid dates officially confirmed?**
No. The Gregorian dates remain provisional until the relevant UAE authorities issue official announcements.
## **Why This Matters**
Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are among the most important dates in the UAE calendar.
They influence school schedules, working hours, travel plans, hospitality activities and family celebrations.
With Ramadan expected in early February and both Eid holidays likely to fall within the first five months of 2027, residents can begin preparing their calendars.
However, astronomical predictions should be treated as planning estimates rather than final holiday announcements.
For anyone arranging annual leave, travel or family gatherings, following official UAE updates will be essential as the dates approach.
## **Source Credits**
UAE Government Official Portal — Public Holidays in the UAE.
UAE Government Official Portal — Working Hours During Ramadan.
UAE Cabinet — Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 Concerning Official Holidays in the UAE.
International Astronomical Centre — Islamic Calendar and Moon-Sighting Information.
Time and Date — Islamic Holidays and Calendar Projections for 2027.
*All Gregorian dates for Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha 2027 are astronomical estimates. Official dates and public holiday arrangements will be announced by the relevant UAE authorities.*
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