Ramadan 2021 will start on Tuesday April 13 in Abu Dhabi.
The official Ramadan 2021 dates were announced tonight (Monday April 12) in the UAE by the the UAE news agency WAM.
#WamBreaking | #Ramadan Tuesday in #UAE pic.twitter.com/eZdLDGWjiF
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 12, 2021
The news means that Ramadan 2021 will start tomorrow (Tuesday April 13).
#MohamedbinZayed: The Holy Month of #Ramadan is now upon us and we welcome it with great joy. This is a time for patience, contemplation and compassion and we pray for God’s mercy and kindness.#WamNews pic.twitter.com/9mhbpQDSQG
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 12, 2021
Ramadan starts when the crescent moon (called hilal) coincides with the astronomical new moon. The exact date is decided by the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee, agreed upon by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. And now that it has been spotted and the dates decided, we know that the first day of fasting will be tomorrow.
Ramadan is an important time in the Islamic Calendar, when Muslims fast (also known as sawm) from sunrise to sunset for around 30 days. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside daily prayer, giving to charity, the declaration of faith and the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Ramadan is a time of reflection, charity and sharing, so it’s a good time to reconnect with family, as well as helping others.
Working hours are reduced throughout Ramadan, as well as school times – though check with your child’s school as these can vary.
During Ramadan 2021 in Abu Dhabi iftars and suhoors are taking place in a socially distanced way in hotels and restaurants around the city, while everyone is urged to act responsibly, wear masks and avoid gatherings.
People are being urged to limit the number of family visits, while only members of the same household can share meals. The National Crisis & Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) also urges people to avoid distributing and exchanging meals. The sharing of meals in public places, as well giving iftar meals in front of homes and mosques, is also not allowed this year.
During Ramadan it is important to be respectful. Everyone should dress conservatively during Ramadan, while eating, drinking and smoking in public is not allowed. Music should be kept at a low volume.
There are plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan – for everything you need to know about Ramadan in Abu Dhabi click here.
Ramadan Kareem!
Break fast with your family
Looking for an iftar? Here’s a comprehensive list of iftars in Abu Dhabi.
Read more here.
Where to find suhoor in Abu Dhabi
Loads of restaurants have an early-morning meal lined up. Here’s where you need to head for suhoor this year.
Read more here.
Sweetest Things
Time Out Abu Dhabi has teamed up with Abu Dhabi Culinary and 70 restaurants, café and lounges across the capital to bring to you Sweetest Things: Layali Ramadan.
Read more here.
