Iftar and Imsak Time in UAE: Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and More

Ramadan is one of the most significant times in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims across the United Arab Emirates with fasting, prayer, and community gatherings. In 2026, the holy month is expected to begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026, and continue until Thursday, 19 March 2026, with the exact dates confirmed by local moon-sighting.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn (Imsak) until sunset (Iftar) each day. Knowing the precise timings of Imsak and Iftar is essential for those observing the fast, as these change slightly from one emirate to another. This guide provides updated daily Iftar and Imsak timings for all seven emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah — helping you plan your fasts accurately throughout the month.

• Dubai
• Sharjah
• Abu Dhabi
• Fujairah
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain
• How Imsak and Iftar Times Are Calculated
• How Long Is Suhoor Before Imsak?
• Typical Daily Rituals During Ramadan 2026
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

Imsak & Iftar Times in Dubai

First of all, the Dubai Imsak time may differ slightly throughout the month. This depends on calculations considering the sun’s position and the local timings for the five prayers. Also, it is important to be familiar with the Suhoor and Iftar times in Dubai to fast properly. 

Imsak & Iftar Times in Sharjah

As for the timing of Imsak in Sharjah, it would differ slightly from other emirates. The table below will illustrate how so. 

Imsak & Iftar Times in Abu Dhabi

On the other hand, the timing of Imsak in the capital of the United Arab Emirates is displayed in the table below. Similar to the rest of the emirates, both Fajr and Maghrib prayers timings differ slightly during the month. 

Imsak & Iftar Times in Fujairah

Furthemore, the Fujairah Imsak timings are listed below from the first of Ramadan to the last day. Remember that Fajer is the Imsak time, and Maghrib is the Iftar time. 

Imsak & Iftar Times in Ajman

Ajman is a prominent Emirate, filled with Muslims anticipating the holy month of Ramadan. Therefore, it is necessary to know these times to start fasting as well as break your fast. 

Imsak & Iftar Times in Ras Al Khaimah 

As for Ras Al Khaimah, the timings differ from other emirates by minutes only. See below the Imsak and Iftar timings. 

Imsak & Iftar Times in Umm Al Quwain

Lastly, if you are living in Umm Al Quwain, then the table below will help you know both Fajr prayer and Maghrib prayer. Which coincides with Imsak and Iftar times. 

How Imsak and Iftar Times Are Calculated

Imsak and Iftar times are calculated based on the position of the sun and follow established Islamic astronomical principles. These timings are not random and are carefully determined each day to ensure accuracy for those observing the fast during Ramadan.

Imsak marks the point just before dawn when fasting begins. It is closely linked to the Fajr prayer, which starts at the first light of dawn. In many Ramadan calendars, Imsak is listed a few minutes before the actual Fajr time as a precautionary buffer, allowing worshippers to stop eating and drinking comfortably before fasting officially begins.

Iftar, on the other hand, occurs precisely at sunset, which coincides with the Maghrib prayer. The fast is broken the moment the sun has fully set below the horizon, which is why Iftar times are usually very precise.

Because sunrise and sunset times vary slightly depending on geographic location, Imsak and Iftar timings differ from one emirate to another across the UAE. Coastal position, longitude and latitude all play a role in these minute differences. Official Ramadan timetables in the UAE are prepared using astronomical calculations and are reviewed by relevant religious authorities to ensure consistency and reliability throughout the holy month.

How Long Is Suhoor Before Imsak?

Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before fasting begins during Ramadan, and it must be completed before Imsak. There is no fixed duration for Suhoor, but it is traditionally eaten in the time window between the late night (after Isha prayers) and Imsak, which marks the start of the fast.

In practice, most muslim people aim to finish Suhoor 10 to 20 minutes before Imsak. This buffer allows enough time to stop eating and drinking calmly before fasting officially begins, as many Ramadan calendars list Imsak slightly earlier than the actual Fajr prayer time as a precaution.

Islamic guidance encourages delaying Suhoor until close to Imsak, without crossing into the fasting period. This helps sustain energy throughout the day while ensuring the fast remains valid. Because Imsak times vary slightly from one emirate to another, it’s always best to follow the official Ramadan timetable issued for your specific location in the UAE.

Typical Daily Rituals During Ramadan 2026

During Ramadan, the daily rhythm for Muslims in the UAE extends beyond fasting; it is a time of intensified devotion, reflection, and community worship. Alongside abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset, believers engage in a range of spiritual practices that deepen their connection with Allah and embody the core values of the holy month.

Here are the key Islamic rituals commonly observed throughout the day during Ramadan:

• Five Daily Prayers (Salah): Muslims perform the five prescribed prayers, Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, at their appointed times throughout the day. Ramadan is a reminder to strengthen punctuality and presence in these acts of worship.
• Taraweeh Prayers: Unique to Ramadan, Taraweeh are special night prayers offered in congregation after the Isha prayer. Many mosques across the UAE host Taraweeh throughout the month, often completing long portions of the Qur’an over the nights.
• Qur’an Recitation: Reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an holds special significance during Ramadan, as the holy book was revealed in this month. Many aim to complete its recitation over the course of Ramadan or increase daily reading.
• Duʿā (Supplication): Making heartfelt prayers and supplications to Allah is emphasised, especially before Iftar and during the last third of the night (Tahajjud). Ramadan is considered a time when prayers are more likely to be answered.
• Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Repeating phrases such as SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) throughout the day fosters mindfulness and spiritual serenity.
• Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Giving charity is strongly encouraged in Ramadan. This includes obligatory alms (Zakat) and voluntary charity (Sadaqah), which support the needy and reinforce compassion and generosity.
• Tahajjud and Qiyam-ul-Layl (Night Prayers): During the last ten nights of Ramadan, many worshippers wake for late-night prayers and deep devotion. This practice is a means of seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

These routines bring structure to the day and night, creating a spiritually rich environment in homes, mosques, and community spaces alike throughout the UAE.

Key Takeaways

As Ramadan 2026 approaches, accurate Iftar and Imsak timings are essential for observers across the UAE, with slight variations from emirate to emirate due to geographical and seasonal differences. Fasting will begin with Imsak each morning before dawn and end with Iftar at sunset, so having the daily timetable for your city helps ensure adherence to the fast. With Ramadan expected to run from 19 February to 19 March 2026, this guide provides a reliable overview of the daily prayer times for all seven emirates, helping both residents and visitors prepare for the holy month with confidence and ease.

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