Other BriefingsRamadan 2026 in the Gulf: Early Timeline Confirmation and Implications for Business and Investors
The UAE has confirmed that the Islamic month of Shaaban started on January 20, 2026, paving the way for Ramadan to likely begin on February 18 or 19, 2026, across the Gulf based on moon sightings. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has issued comprehensive mosque guidelines in preparation for Ramadan, covering prayer timing, staff attendance, and charitable practices ahead of the holy month.
As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches, early religious announcements and regulatory guidance from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are providing critical visibility for companies and investors operating across the region.
With the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formally confirming the start of Shaaban, the lunar month preceding Ramadan, and Saudi Arabia issuing new mosque-related directives, organisations have actionable insights for workforce planning, operational continuity, and market strategy ahead of the annual shift in economic rhythms
UAE confirms Shaaban, setting Ramadan 2026 timeline
On January 18, 2026, the UAE Council for Fatwa announced that Tuesday, January 20, 2026, marks the start of the Islamic month of Shaaban, following traditional and scientific moon-sighting procedures. This determination follows the completion of the month of Rajab and gives residents and organisations early visibility into the forthcoming Ramadan cycle.
Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days depending on observed lunar sightings. B
ased on this framework, Ramadan in the UAE is expected to begin on either Wednesday, February 18, or Thursday, February 19, 2026, with the final date to be confirmed following the sighting of the new crescent moon near the end of Shaaban.
Astronomical projections currently lean toward Thursday, February 19 as the likely first day of fasting, though this remains contingent on local observation.
This clarity nearly a month in advance is significant for corporates, particularly those involved in labour-intensive sectors, retail planning, hospitality, travel, logistics, and cross-border services. It allows firms to align workforce rostering, marketing campaigns, peak demand forecasting, and supply chain adjustments to reflect Ramadan-related behavioural shifts.
Business calendar adjustments and public holidays
The Ramadan cycle has knock-on effects for subsequent public holidays.
Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan and the start of the lunar month of Shawwal, is projected to fall between March 19 and March 21, 2026 depending on the start and length of Ramadan.
This potential range matters for project deadlines, financial reporting periods, and holiday-related leave planning across regional offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
For the UAE, which often coordinates holiday schedules with broader GCC considerations, companies should start finalising internal and external calendars now to minimise disruption to cross-border operations.
Saudi Arabia issues pre-Ramadan operational directives
Parallel to timing signals, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance released detailed Ramadan guidance for mosques and affiliated staff nationwide. While not regulatory in the commercial sense, these directives provide useful signals on the Kingdom’s readiness and broader policy tone in the lead-up to Ramadan:
- Strict adherence to prayer schedules based on the Umm al-Qura calendar, including defined intervals between prayer calls and congregational start times;
- Emphasis on standardised Isha and Fajr timing, aiming to make religious observance predictable across provinces;
- Controls on installation and use of surveillance cameras in mosques and a ban on broadcasting prayers on media platforms during Ramadan;
- Prohibitions on begging around mosques and strict expectations for charity flows, mandating that donations reach legitimate recipients;
- Guidelines on i‘tikaf (religious seclusion) practices, including verification and supervision for observants, especially non-Saudi residents; and
- Regulation of iftar meal distribution to designated mosque courtyards under staff supervision, with expectations for post-event site cleanliness and controlled water donation storage.
These measures underscore how Saudi authorities are systematically preparing religious infrastructure and community engagement ahead of Ramadan. For companies planning community partnerships, CSR initiatives, or mosque-associated sponsorships, aligning with the Kingdom’s approved frameworks will be essential to avoid compliance risks and reputational pitfalls.
Workforce and productivity considerations
Cultural norms and labour regulations in the GCC significantly adjust during Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia, recent guidance from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development suggests:
- Public sector employees may work around five hours per day, typically in compact morning blocks;
- Private sector workers have a mandated maximum of six working hours per day for Muslim staff, with flexible arrangements encouraged to balance productivity with Ramadan observance;
- The banking sector traditionally adopts a reduced schedule, with branches operating fewer hours while maintaining digital services;
Employers in all GCC countries can expect similar reductions and should proactively adjust timelines for business development, customer engagement, and inter-office collaboration. Early scheduling of key meetings in mid-morning slots and an appreciation of slower afternoons can sustain productivity without undermining cultural expectations.
Strategic takeaways for Middle East businesses and investors
1. Operational readiness
Companies should finalise staffing and operational plans by early February to accommodate shortened workdays, prayer breaks, and productivity cycles that differ from regular months.
2. Regulatory engagement
Regulatory agencies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are already issuing guidelines—organisations should engage with local partners or consultants to ensure CSR initiatives, workplace policies, and community outreach comply with evolving norms.
3. Commercial ppportunities
Ramadan also opens seasonal market opportunities for retail merchandising, hospitality promotions, digital services, and cultural experiences such as Dubai’s Season of Wulfa, which aims to expand the cultural footprint of Ramadan and Eid festivities.
4. Cross-border synchronisation
While GCC states tend to align closely on Ramadan start dates, minor one-day variations remain possible. Cross-jurisdiction coordination of campaigns, logistics, and leave calendars can avoid misalignment in multinational operations.
Conclusion
With confirmed Shaaban dates and likely Ramadan start projections, as well as proactive regulatory directions from Saudi authorities, businesses have an unusually early runway for 2026 Ramadan planning.
For investors and corporate leaders, integrating these insights now into workforce policies, market strategies, and operational calendars will reduce disruption and unlock seasonal engagement opportunities in one of the Middle East’s most culturally defining periods.
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Middle East Briefing is one of five regional publications under the Asia Briefing brand. It is supported by Dezan Shira & Associates, a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm that assists foreign investors throughout Asia, including through offices in Dubai (UAE). Dezan Shira & Associates also maintains offices or has alliance partners assisting foreign investors in China (including the Hong Kong SAR), Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Nepal, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Italy, Germany, Bangladesh, Australia, United States, and United Kingdom and Ireland.
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