Ramadan: Colleague information and Glasgow Life events
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims fast each day from sunrise to sunset for 30 days.
Ramadan is also a time for:
• reflection
• discipline
• extra prayers
• charity
• kindness
• spending time with family and community
Many Muslims fast during Ramadan, but not everyone does. Some choose not to, and some are exempt.
Fasting means not eating or drinking anything, even water, from dawn until sunset.
When Ramadan takes place
Ramadan does not fall on the same date each year. It begins with a new lunar cycle. The end of the month depends on moon sightings.
The expected dates for the next few years are:
• 17 February – 18 March 2026
• 7 February – 8 March 2027
• 27 January – 25 February 2028
• 15 January – 13 February 2029
Fasts are longer in summer and shorter in winter, which makes a difference in Scotland.
Each day starts with a light meal before dawn called Suhoor. The fast ends at sunset with the Maghrib Adhan, or call to prayer. Many people break their fast with a date and water. This sunset meal is called Iftar.
Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Supporting colleagues
Fasting affects people in different ways. Managers should support colleagues while still meeting service needs.
Supporting physical effects
Some colleagues may feel tired later in the day. Concentration may drop. Managers can help by:
• avoiding meetings with food and drink
• planning meetings earlier in the day
• being aware of changes in energy
• reducing physical tasks when possible
Flexible working and annual leave
Colleagues may need changes to their routine. This can include:
• adjusting start and finish times
• offering a short break at sunset to break the fast
• approving annual leave, especially for Eid (only refuse in rare cases)
Events across Glasgow Life during Ramadan
Colleagues across Glasgow Life have created activities and events to celebrate Ramadan. These sessions offer learning, creativity and community connection.
Civic open Iftar
Glasgow will hold its first ever Open Iftar on Saturday 7 March at the City Chambers. The Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, will welcome more than 250 people.
The Ramadan Tent Project, a UK charity that runs Open Iftars across the country, will deliver the event. Glasgow is joining more than 30 cities that have already hosted an Open Iftar.
Glasgow has the largest Muslim population in Scotland. Many people in the city observe Ramadan at home, in mosques, and in community spaces. This event recognises the importance of Ramadan for many Glaswegians.
The Lord Provost says the event shows Glasgow’s pride in being a diverse city. The Ramadan Tent Project says this year’s theme is hope, and the Open Iftar aims to bring people together and build understanding.
Tickets will be free and available from the Ramadan Tent Project on a first‑come, first‑served basis. www.ramadantentproject.com
Prepare for Iftar – air fryer cooking sessions
These sessions help people prepare healthy food for Iftar. You cook simple dishes together using an air fryer. All recipes use low‑fat ingredients and no refined sugar but still keep the flavours of Ramadan.
Staff guide each step. You learn how to use an air fryer safely and adapt recipes for healthier eating. You can take the food home to enjoy with your family at sunset.
Sessions take place at:
- St Ninian’s Church, Pollokshields – 20 February
- Pearce Institute, Govan – 27 February
- Pearce Institute, Govan – 13 March
- St Ninian’s Church, Pollokshields – 26 March
All sessions are one‑off, friendly and open to all.
Ramadan arts and crafts sessions
These workshops help families explore Ramadan in a creative way. You learn about the importance of the moon and stars in the Islamic calendar. You make simple crafts such as crescent moons, stars and kindness‑themed activities.
Children can take their artwork home. The sessions encourage imagination, reflection and time together as a family.
Sessions include:
- Museums Ramadan crafts – 15 February
- Family arts and crafts sessions – 17 and 18 February (venue TBC)
Full list of Ramadan 2026 events
Museums
- St Mungo’s Museum
- Kindness jars – 28 Feb & 1 Mar
- Islamic tiles – 15 Mar
- Burrell Collection
- Islamic art – 7 & 14 Mar
- Family museums workshop
- Ramadan crafts – 15 Feb
Libraries and communities – ESOL
- Auldhouse – 17 Feb–18 Mar
- Lambhill Stables – 18 Feb–18 Mar
- Parkhead Library – 19 Feb–18 Mar
Libraries and communities – children and families
STEAM (Ramadan arts focus):
- Elderpark – Mondays, 23 Feb–16 Mar
- Govanhill – Tuesdays, 24 Feb–17 Mar
- Castlemilk – Wednesdays, 25 Feb–18 Mar
- Anniesland – Thursdays, 19 Feb–12 Mar
Libraries and communities – adult learning
Wellness workshops:
- 2 February
- 9 February
- 11 February