What's open during Ramadan 2026 in the UAE — restaurants, malls, and timings

Ramadan 2026 begins on the evening of Tuesday 17 February and ends on the evening of Wednesday 18 March, with Eid al-Fitr typically falling on 19-21 March. During the Holy Month, the rhythm of life in the UAE shifts — and not in the ways many visitors expect.

Eating and drinking during the day

Since 2021, eating, drinking and smoking in public during fasting hours is no longer a criminal offence in the UAE — but it remains culturally significant. Most malls keep food courts open all day, though many individual restaurants stay closed until after Maghrib (sunset, around 18:30 in February-March). Specifically:

• Mall food courts: ~70% of outlets stay open all day, with partial screens or curtained areas for dine-in diners.

• Standalone restaurants outside malls: most close from suhoor (pre-dawn) until iftar (sunset).

• Cafés inside hotels: most stay open for hotel guests; some screen off non-fasting diners.

• Drive-through coffee chains: open all day in 2026 (Starbucks, Costa, Tim Hortons).

• Supermarkets and grocery stores: open as normal.

Alcohol service

Bars and licensed restaurants serve alcohol after iftar — typically from around 19:00. Most reduce lunchtime alcohol service entirely during the month. Hotel beach clubs may serve alcohol during the day but at reduced visibility. Dubai brunches continue in the second half of the day; Friday brunches typically run 17:00-21:00 rather than the usual 12:30-16:30.

Iftar and suhoor

Iftar — the breaking of the fast at sunset — is the social highlight of the month. Hotels and restaurants set up dedicated iftar tents and buffets; bookings open 3-4 weeks ahead. Prices range from AED 95 at neighbourhood spots to AED 450+ at the major hotels. Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) is offered at many shisha lounges and select hotels from around 21:00 until just before fajr (around 05:00).

Recommended iftar venues (2026)

• Bayt Al Bahar at Burj Al Arab — most photogenic, AED 750.

• Asateer Tent at Atlantis The Palm — large-scale buffet, AED 450.

• Al Fanar (any branch) — traditional Emirati menu, AED 195.

• Tashas (DIFC, Mall of the Emirates) — Levantine, AED 220.

Shopping mall hours

Malls switch to extended Ramadan hours — typically open until 01:00 or 02:00 on weekends. Stores stay quiet during fasting hours (most foot traffic is after iftar) and busy until midnight. The annual Ramadan Night Market at Dubai World Trade Centre runs throughout the month with food stalls, retail and live entertainment.

Working hours

Federal and Dubai government offices reduce working hours by two hours per day during Ramadan. Private-sector workers are entitled to the same reduction (though employer practice varies). Schools shorten the day. Traffic is heaviest in the hour before iftar; plan trips outside that window.

Etiquette for non-fasting visitors

• Public eating, drinking and smoking is no longer illegal but is considered impolite.

• Dress slightly more modestly than usual, especially in public spaces.

• Loud music in cars or public areas is poorly received.

• If invited to an iftar, bring dates or a small gift; don't begin eating before the host.

What to do at night

Ramadan nights are a celebration. Souks stay open late, fireworks happen on several weekends, and Global Village runs special Ramadan nights with live entertainment. The Dubai Fountain at Burj Khalifa adjusts its show times to coincide with iftar and post-tarawih crowds.