Dubai has announced its official calendar for Ramadan 2026, with citywide events, community activities, dining experiences and cultural programmes planned throughout the Holy Month.
Organised under the Season of Wulfa, Ramadan in Dubai will run for around 30 days, leading up to Eid. Across the city, residents can expect evening markets, Iftar gatherings, cultural shows, retail promotions and family-friendly experiences.
Here’s a simple guide to what’s happening and where you can go.
Major city events
Several large-scale Ramadan experiences will take place across Dubai:
Ramadan Street Food Festival
16 February – 15 March
Sheikh Hamdan Colony will host evening food stalls, family activities and cultural elements after Iftar.
Ramadan by the Bay
18 February – 28 March
Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall will feature the IMAGINE show, drone displays, a Ramadan market, live performances and communal dining areas.
Ramadan Drone Show
19 February – 19 March
Nightly drone light shows inspired by Ramadan themes.
Ramadan Fireworks
19 February – 19 March
Fireworks at Al Seef and Dubai Creek on selected evenings.
Ramadan Reflections (Atyaf Ramadaniyah)
19 February – 22 March
Art and light installations across 10 locations including Al Seef and Dubai Festival City Mall.
Hai Ramadan at Expo City Dubai
22 February – 17 March
Family-friendly cultural activities and storytelling programmes.
Ramadan Wonders at Global Village
18 February – 18 March
Cultural entertainment, themed décor and dining experiences.
Ramadan at popular destinations
Many lifestyle areas and malls will host special evening programmes:
City Walk (17 Feb – 18 March)
The Beach, JBR (18 Feb – 22 March)
City Centre Mirdif (20 Feb – 7 March)
Dubai Mall (18 Feb – 22 March)
Downtown Dubai Ramadan Nights (16 Feb – 22 March)
Palm Jumeirah Mall (18 Feb – 22 March)
Expect Ramadan décor, extended mall hours and family-friendly evening atmospheres.
Community programmes
Government-led initiatives will focus on community engagement and charitable activities.
Key programmes include:
Souq Ramadan by Dubai Municipality with heritage displays and food stalls
Eyal Al Freej (19 Feb – 20 March), encouraging children to pray regularly at mosques
Steps of Life (19 Feb – 20 March), where daily walking steps convert into charitable contributions
Cultural performances including Bu Tbailah across malls and destinations
Hatta Ramadan Tournament at Hatta Sports Club
These initiatives aim to encourage reflection, volunteering and social connection during the Holy Month.
Iftars and Ramadan tents
Hotels and restaurants across Dubai will host Iftar and Suhoor experiences.
Some highlights include:
Asateer Ramadan Tent at Atlantis, The Palm (17 Feb – 18 March)
Madinat Jumeirah Ramadan Majlis (18 Feb – 18 March)
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Ramadan Majlis (16 Feb – 19 March)
Majlis Under the Stars at Jumeirah Al Naseem (19 Feb – 21 March)
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Iftar buffet (Till 19 March)
JA The Resort, Mina Seyahi Resorts, and other major hotel venues
Restaurants including Jun’s, Jamavar Dubai, MiMi Mei Fair, Rang Mahal, Novikov Café, and Al Fanar will offer special Ramadan menus.
There are also healthy meal plans and Ramadan promotions from brands such as Kcal and Organic Foods & Café.
Retail promotions
Residents can also benefit from citywide retail campaigns:
Season of Wulfa – Shop, Scan & Win (Till 22 March)
Promotions at Circle Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall (2 Feb – 23 March)
Tickit Ramadan Rewards (13 Feb – 22 March)
Emirates Skywards campaign offering prize miles
Citywide decorations
Dubai will feature themed lighting, flags and decorative displays across key roads and landmarks. Special lighting installations will remain throughout Ramadan and continue into Eid celebrations.
What to expect this Ramadan
Ramadan in Dubai 2026 will focus on:
Evening community gatherings
Cultural storytelling and performances
Family-friendly markets and festivals
Retail promotions and extended mall hours
Hotel Iftars and Ramadan tents
Charitable and volunteer initiatives
Residents can expect a mix of traditional and modern experiences across neighbourhoods, malls, waterfronts and cultural destinations throughout the Holy Month.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
