Ramadan is just around the corner and the question on everyone’s mind is: What time is iftar?

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims in Dubai will be fasting for just over 13 hours, compared to last year’s 14 hours a day.

Fasting times will change by a few minutes every day depending on the sunrise and sunset timings.

Let us explain…

Astronomical calculations predict that the month of fasting will begin on Monday March 11 or Tuesday March 12 and if the moon sighting committee confirms this, then on Monday, Muslims in Dubai begin the fast at 5.19am and will end the fast at 6.33pm. That’s exactly 13 hours and 15 minutes of fasting.

If Ramadan begins on Tuesday, Muslims will begin the fast at 5.18am and end it at 6.33pm. That’s 13 hours and 16 minutes of fasting.

The length of the fasting hours during Ramadan is changed by the position of the sun and the duration of daylight. And as days get longer, so will fasting times.

On the second day of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast 13 hours and 17 minutes. On day three, you can expect to fast 13 hours and 18 minutes and so on.

When Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims will fast on the predicted final day of Ramadan for 13 hours and 42 minutes.

To work it all out, we used the Dubai prayer timings on the Government of the UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments website. We calculate the intervals between Fajr (the prayer preceding sunrise) and Maghrib (the prayer marking sunset).

So why does the time keep changing?

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which is approximately 29 to 30 days long. This means that Ramadan shifts by about 11 days every year and, as a result, the fasting hours during Ramadan can be longer or shorter depending on the time of year and the location.

This year, Ramadan will fall during winter for the first time in 24 years, so temperatures are cooler and days are shorter. That’s good news all around.

Ending the fast

Iftar is the meal to end the fast after sunset. Typically, people will enjoy dates, dried apricots and Ramadan juices, before heading to sunset prayer.

After that, large meals are the norm, usually with family and friends.

Right before starting their fast, Muslims have a meal called suhoor.

Suhoor is enjoyed just before sunrise and before the day of fasting starts. Many hotels host smaller buffets, traditional activities and more to celebrate until the early morning hours.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Muslims fast as a means of physical and spiritual purification during the Holy Month.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The purpose is to increase self-discipline, humility, and empathy for less fortunate people. It is a way for Muslims to understand the struggle of hunger and thirst, and to learn self-control.

Overall, fasting during Ramadan is an important part of the Muslim faith, serving as a time for physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. It is a time for Muslims to focus on their relationship with Allah, reflect on their actions, and strive towards self-improvement.

Want more on Ramadan?

Ramadan 2024 start date
It will be the first time in years that Ramadan will fall during wintertime

Ramadan will fall in winter for the first time in 24 years
The last time Ramadan was observed during the winter was in the year 2000

Eid Al Fitr 2024: Save the dates for this extra long public holiday
Mark Dubai’s upcoming public holidays on your calendar