Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Working hours, Salik, mall timings, and key changes explained

Dubai: The UAE has announced adjusted operating hours across all key services during Ramadan 2026, covering working hours, schools, shopping malls, metro, tram, public parking, toll gates, and entertainment destinations. Private sector employees, both Muslim and non-Muslim, will benefit from a mandatory two-hour reduction in their working day, while government offices and schools will operate on shorter schedules throughout the holy month. Toll rates on Dubai's Salik and Abu Dhabi's Darb systems have also been revised to reflect the shift in daily commuting patterns. Whether you're planning your commute, organising school runs, or looking forward to post-iftar evenings out, here's everything you need to know about life in the UAE during Ramadan 2026.

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). However, the official start date will be confirmed based on the traditional sighting of the crescent moon. Early astronomical predictions suggest the holy month could commence between February 17-19, 2026.

Private sector

Under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, all private sector employees will receive a mandatory two-hour reduction in daily working hours during Ramadan. This applies to both Muslim and non-Muslim employees regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), regardless of job role or seniority.

Federal government sector

Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Remote work on Fridays is often permitted for government employees, depending on operational requirements.

The Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has issued the following guidelines for private schools:

Maximum school day: 5 hours

Fasting students: Exempt from physical education classes

Friday schedule: Schools must end no later than 11:30 AM to allow students and staff to attend Friday prayers at 12:45 PM

Note: Parents are advised to check directly with their child's school for exact timings.

Dubai's Salik toll system adjusts its variable rates during Ramadan to reflect shorter working hours and changed travel patterns:

Monday to Saturday, time and rate

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Peak) Dh 6

7:00 AM to 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM (Low Peak) Dh 4

2:00 AM to 7:00 AM (Off-Peak) Free

Sunday, time and rate

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Peak) Dh 4

7:00 AM to 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM (Low Peak) Dh 4

2:00 AM to 7:00 AM (Off-Peak) Free

Dubai adjusts parking hours during Ramadan.

Adjusted paid parking hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Free parking during iftar: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Important: Multi-storey car parks remain open 24/7

Mon–Thu: 5am to midnight

Friday: 5am to 1am (next day)

Saturday: 5am to midnight

Sunday: 8am to midnight

Mon–Sat: 6am to 1am (next day)

Sunday: 9am to 1am

Deira, Al Twar, Al Manara, Al Kifaf: Mon–Thu 9am–5pm; Fri 9am–noon

Al Barsha: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

Umm Ramool: Open 24/7

Most locations: 8am–4pm (morning) and 8pm–midnight (evening)

Fridays: 8am–noon, then from 4pm or 8pm depending on the centre

Note: Between 4pm–8pm at some centres, only technical inspections are available (no vehicle registration)

 Bus schedules can be checked via the S'hail app, and marine transport timings are available on the RTA website.

Abu Dhabi's transport operator Q Mobility has announced revised toll and parking charges for Ramadan to help manage the shift in commuting patterns during the holy month.

Darb Toll Gates (Mon–Sat):

Morning peak: 8am–10am : Dh4 per crossing

Afternoon peak: 2pm–6pm : Dh4 per crossing

Sundays: Toll-free

Public Parking (Mon–Sat):

Session 1: 9am–6pm

Session 2: 9pm–2am

Standard spaces: Dh2/hour

Premium zones: Dh3/hour

Sundays: Free parking

Payment options include the Darb app, the TAMM digital platform, SMS services, and payment machines across the city.

The changes reflect Abu Dhabi's effort to ease mobility during Ramadan, when daily routines and therefore traffic patterns shift significantly.

Global Village Season 30 will operate as an evening destination during Ramadan, featuring cultural entertainment and Ramadan-themed programs.

Days and timings

Sunday to Wednesday, 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Thursday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM

• Multaqa Global Village: Complimentary tent-style seating area with traditional majlis ambiance

• Live entertainment: Orchestra shows, Oud, Nay, Harp, Violin performances, and traditional Tannoura shows

• Al Mandoos Live Game Show: 9:30 PM across three consecutive weekends, starting February 20

• Special Drone Show: Friday, February 20 at 9:30 PM to mark the start of Ramadan

Dubai's shopping malls will extend their operating hours during Ramadan to accommodate post-iftar shopping and dining. Based on Ramadan 2025 schedules:

Mall and expected timings

City Centre Mirdif & Deira 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Restaurants until 2:00 AM)

The Beach at JBR 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Dubai Festival City Mall Until 12:00 AM (Restaurants until 1:00 AM)

City Walk Until 12:00 AM (Restaurants until 1:00 AM)

Other major malls Typically until 12:00 AM or later on weekends

Note: Exact hours may vary. Visitors are advised to check individual mall websites for confirmed timings closer to Ramadan.

Cinemas across Dubai will adjust their schedules to align with Ramadan hours:

Opening time: Around 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Post-iftar showtimes: Extended to 1:00 AM or later

Late-night screenings: Some venues showing films until 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM

Major cinema chains including VOX Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, and Roxy Cinemas are expected to follow similar adjusted schedules.

1. Official confirmation: The exact start date of Ramadan 2026 depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

2. Verify timings: Check with individual schools, malls, and venues for confirmed schedules.

3. Working hours apply to all: The two-hour reduction in private sector working hours applies to both Muslim and non-Muslim employees.

4. Plan ahead: Allow extra time for travel during peak hours and take advantage of free parking during iftar hours.

Stay updated with gulfnews.com as Ramadan approaches for the latest information and any last-minute changes to these timings.