As the holy month of Ramadan begins on Saturday, March 1, 2025, Muslims in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will observe daily fasting from dawn to sunset. The UAE’s moon-sighting committee confirmed the beginning of Ramadan on Friday, February 28, marking the start of a month of spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the time when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed. It is a period of fasting, prayer, and devotion. Muslims around the world refrain from consuming food, drink, and oral medicine from sunrise (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). The fast is broken each day with a meal called iftar.
Daily Prayer and Fasting Timings
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has released the prayer timings for March 2025, which coincide with the dates of Ramadan. Muslims perform five daily prayers: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). During Ramadan, an additional extended prayer, Taraweeh, is performed after Isha.
Fasting Duration in the UAE
The fasting period will begin at approximately 14 hours and 13 minutes at the start of Ramadan and will gradually increase as the days progress. By the end of the holy month, Muslims in the UAE will be fasting for approximately 14 hours and 55 minutes.
Prayer Timings for Ramadan 2025 in the UAE (March 1-31)
| Date | Fajr | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib (Iftar) | Isha (Taraweeh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 1 | 05:15 AM | 12:30 PM | 03:50 PM | 06:25 PM | 07:40 PM |
| March 5 | 05:10 AM | 12:30 PM | 03:50 PM | 06:28 PM | 07:42 PM |
| March 10 | 05:05 AM | 12:30 PM | 03:50 PM | 06:32 PM | 07:45 PM |
| March 15 | 05:00 AM | 12:30 PM | 03:50 PM | 06:36 PM | 07:50 PM |
| March 20 | 04:55 AM | 12:30 PM | 03:50 PM | 06:40 PM | 07:55 PM |
| March 25 | 04:50 AM | 12:30 PM | 03:50 PM | 06:44 PM | 08:00 PM |
| March 31 | 04:45 AM | 12:30 PM | 03:50 PM | 06:48 PM | 08:05 PM |
(Timings may vary slightly depending on the city and local sighting conditions.)
Special Night Prayers During Ramadan
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, Muslims often engage in additional prayers known as Tahajjud (Qiyam al-Layl), which take place after Taraweeh. These prayers hold special significance as they coincide with Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed and is considered the holiest night in Islam.
Community and Spirituality During Ramadan
Ramadan is a time of communal worship and increased devotion. Many Muslims strive to attend prayers at mosques, as it is believed to bring greater spiritual rewards. Families and friends gather for iftar meals, breaking their fast with dates and water, followed by traditional dishes.
Additionally, Ramadan is a time of giving and charity, with many contributing to Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to support those in need.
Conclusion
Ramadan 2025 in the UAE will be a time of deep spiritual engagement, reflection, and community bonding. With fasting durations ranging from 14 to nearly 15 hours, Muslims will dedicate themselves to prayer, charity, and devotion. The month will culminate with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of fasting and the beginning of joyous festivities.
May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and spiritual fulfillment to all who observe it.
