Ramadan Travel Guide: Visiting the Middle East During the Holy Month

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as an act of devotion, reflection and charity. Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, Ramadan moves about 10 to 12 days earlier each year. Our page on holidays and national days explains the wider calendar.

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on or about Monday, February 8, 2027, according to astronomical projections. The exact date is confirmed only when the new crescent moon is sighted, and the month lasts 29 or 30 days. Eid al-Fitr, the festival that ends the fast, is therefore expected around March 9 or 10, 2027. Treat all of these dates as expected and subject to moon sighting.

For travelers, early 2027 is a happy coincidence: the fast falls in the Gulf's mildest season, when days are warm and evenings are perfect for strolling. See when to go for the wider picture.

Daily life slows down by day and comes alive after sunset. Government offices and many businesses work shorter hours, and shops and malls often stay open late into the night. In the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, most hotel and mall restaurants now serve daytime meals to non-fasting guests, often discreetly; in Saudi Arabia, daytime options are more limited, though hotels look after their guests.

Out of respect, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours. Dress a little more modestly than usual, keep music low, and be patient with traffic just before sunset, when everyone is hurrying home. Our guide to customs and etiquette covers the basics, and women traveling solo will find the season especially welcoming.

Entertainment shifts gently too. Live music is usually quieter, and some nightlife pauses, while cultural programs, night markets and charity events flourish.