Ramadan 2025 in the UAE: When will Taraweeh prayers begin?

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of this sacred month. For many, this time is filled with spiritual reflection, fasting, and increased devotion. It also signals the start of Taraweeh prayers, a significant aspect of Ramadan nights.

In the UAE, like in other countries, the exact date of Taraweeh prayers depends on the Islamic lunar calendar, which relies on one key factor: the moon sighting.

According to Islamic tradition, Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon, which can occur either on Friday or Saturday evening. If the moon is visible tonight, then Friday, February 28, 2025 (Shaban 29, 1446) will mark the first night of Taraweeh. However, if the moon is not sighted tonight, the prayers will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025 (Ramadan 1, 1446), following the Ish’a prayer. Muslims in the UAE will then observe their first fast on Sunday, March 2.

Taraweeh Prayer Timing

Taraweeh prayers are performed shortly after the Isha prayers, typically beginning a few minutes after the Isha prayer concludes. For tonight and tomorrow, the Isha adhaan is scheduled for 7:38 PM, with the congregation generally starting around 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM. The Isha prayer itself takes around 7 to 8 minutes, so Taraweeh prayers are expected to begin shortly after that.

When Will the Fasting Begin?

If the moon is sighted on Friday evening, Muslims will begin fasting on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Once the moon is confirmed, an official announcement will be made, and the entire community will come together to observe the fast and participate in the nightly Taraweeh prayers, which will continue for the next 29 or 30 days.

Why Ramadan Shifts Each Year

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian calendar, meaning that each month starts with the sighting of the new moon and lasts either 29 or 30 days. Since the lunar year is shorter than the solar year by about 10 to 12 days, Ramadan shifts each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar, making the exact start date unpredictable until the moon is sighted.