Sipu Jha
As Ramadan 2026 approaches, expected to begin around February 18–19, 2026 depending on the crescent moon sighting, Muslims worldwide are preparing for a month of fasting, reflection and community. The holy month lasts approximately 29–30 days and culminates in Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.
How Ramadan 2026 fasting works
During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from dawn (suhoor meal) until sunset (iftar) daily and abstain from food, drink, smoking and other physical needs during daylight hours. The exact suhoor and iftar times vary by location and are based on sunrise and sunset each day.Since Ramadan falls earlier this year in the Gregorian calendar, many parts of the world will also experience shorter fasting hours compared with summer months.
Ramadan fasting hours around the world in 2026
Ramadan 2026 falls close to the spring equinox, which means fasting durations are more uniform globally than in years when Ramadan sits in summer or deep winter. In many cities, the daily fast will be around 12–14 hours:
- Northern Hemisphere (e.g., Europe, North America): ~12–13 hours
- United Kingdom: Around 14–16 hours
- Middle East and
UAE : ~12–13 hours with iftar around early evening - India and South Asia: Approximately 12.5–14 hours
- Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia): Around 12–13 hours
- Southern Hemisphere (e.g., Chile, New Zealand): ~14–15 hours initially
Locations closer to the poles or distant latitudes show more variation but by the end of Ramadan these differences narrow as daylight hours converge.
Typical suhoor and iftar times during Ramadan 2026
While specific times depend on your city and date, approximate examples for 2026 include:
Dubai – Suhoor ends ~5:30 am, iftar begins ~6:15–6:20 pm- New Delhi: Suhoor ends ~5:35 am, iftar begins ~6:15–6:20 pm
London : Suhoor ends ~5:30 am, iftar begins ~5:50 pm
Suhoor times mark the last moment you can eat before the fast begins (Fajr) and iftar is at sunset (Maghrib) each day.
What’s new or trending in Ramadan 2026
Moon sighting anticipation is building among Muslims across the world. The start of Ramadan continues to depend on local moon sightings, a tradition upheld by many Muslim communities, adding uncertainty until the night before the official beginning.
- Ramadan 2026 likely starts: Feb 18–19
- Fasting hours globally: ~12–14 hours (longer in southern latitudes)
- Suhoor: Before dawn
- Iftar: At sunset
- Eid ul-Fitr: Expected ~March 19, 2026
In parts of the UAE and Middle East, working and school hours are being adjusted to accommodate fasting schedules. Across continents, Muslims are preparing spiritually, physically and socially, with some countries already mapping out community activities well ahead of time.For Muslims, Ramadan is much more than abstaining from food. It is a time for:
- Increased prayer and Quran study
- Charity and reflection
- Strengthening bonds with family and community
While the exact start and end dates depend on moon sighting announcements, Eid ul-Fitr, the festival that concludes Ramadan, is expected around mid-March 2026.
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