Dubai Ramadan 2026 began today following the official announcement of the moon sighting in the UAE. With the start of the holy month, public spaces, retail districts, and cultural venues across Dubai have shifted to extended evening schedules, hosting Ramadan-themed programming after iftar.
Across waterfront destinations, open-air lifestyle hubs, and heritage districts, city authorities and private operators have scheduled light shows, fireworks, food festivals, and cultural gatherings. The following is a factual guide to confirmed and expected Ramadan activities across Dubai in 2026.
Ramadan By The Bay At Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall will host Ramadan By The Bay from February 18 to March 28, operating daily from 5.30 PM to 1.00 AM, according to event organisers.
The waterfront programme includes light installations, live cultural performances, dining activations, and family-oriented entertainment along Dubai Creek. The IMAGINE show, a projection and laser display staged on the waterfront, will run during the evenings. The show combines water screens, laser projections, and pyrotechnics.
Open-air dining zones and Ramadan-themed markets are also planned within the Festival Bay area.
Fireworks And Drone Shows At Al Seef And Festival Bay
Nightly fireworks displays are scheduled throughout Ramadan at Al Seef and Dubai Creek, approximately 9.30 PM, followed by drone shows at Festival Bay around 10.30 PM.
Organisers state that the drone shows will feature choreographed formations inspired by cultural and Ramadan motifs. Fireworks reflect over the waterfront districts, drawing visitors to both heritage and retail areas in the evening.
Timings may vary depending on crowd management and official announcements.
Evening Programming At City Walk And The Beach at JBR
City Walk will host Ramadan programming from February 18 to March 18. The Beach at JBR will run its Ramadan schedule from February 18 to March 22.
Both destinations will feature decorative lighting, lantern installations, extended dining hours, and curated entertainment programming. Restaurants are expected to introduce Ramadan menus during evening service.
These open-air districts remain popular for post-iftar dining and family gatherings, thanks to their pedestrian-friendly layouts and waterfront access.
Extended Ramadan Hours At Global Village
Global Village will operate daily from 5.00 PM to 1.00 AM during Ramadan, with extended hours from 2.00 AM on Thursday to Saturday.
The destination hosts more than 250 kiosks offering international cuisine and retail products. Ramadan-themed majlis areas and nightly cultural performances are scheduled throughout the holy month.
Global Village typically sees increased evening footfall during Ramadan, driven by extended hours and a diverse range of food options.
Ramadan Street Food Festival In Sheikh Hamdan Colony
The Ramadan Street Food Festival is scheduled from February 16 to March 15 in Sheikh Hamdan Colony.
Organisers state that the event will feature traditional and international food stalls, live entertainment, and family activities during evening hours—the festival format centres on night market-style experiences following iftar.
Ramadan Under The Dome At Expo City Dubai
Ramadan Under The Dome is expected to run from February 22 to March 17 at Expo City Dubai, subject to final confirmation.
Events will take place beneath the Al Wasl Plaza dome, which will host projection displays and curated iftar gatherings. Organisers have indicated that storytelling sessions and cultural programming will form part of the experience.
Expo City Dubai has previously used immersive lighting and projection mapping at major public events.
Ramadan In Dubai’s Urban And Economic Landscape
Ramadan significantly reshapes Dubai’s retail, hospitality, and entertainment operating patterns. Shopping malls and leisure destinations extend hours, restaurants adjust service schedules around iftar and suhoor, and cultural programming increases across public spaces.
The combination of light installations, fireworks, night markets, and extended trading hours contributes to higher evening footfall across retail districts. Waterfront destinations such as Dubai Creek, Al Seef, and Festival Bay historically experience elevated visitor numbers during Ramadan evenings.
While Ramadan remains primarily a month of spiritual reflection and community gathering, it also marks a peak season for hospitality and retail operators in Dubai.
