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Planning your Ramadan 2027 shopping: expected dates and how to start early

When Ramadan 2027 is expected to start, when Eid al-Fitr may fall, and how to split groceries, gifts and Eid clothes without a last-minute rush.

Updated: 9 November 20263 min readBy the Kobon team

The short version

  • Astronomical calculations put the start of Ramadan 1448 AH at about Monday 8 February 2027. The official date is announced after the moon sighting.
  • Eid al-Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027, depending on the length of the month.
  • Start grocery shopping two weeks before Ramadan, and order Eid clothes and gifts before the last ten nights.
  • In Saudi Arabia, check that a sale is licensed before you buy.

When does Ramadan 2027 start?

Based on astronomical calculations reported by Gulf media, Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027. Gulf countries announce the start officially after the moon sighting, so it can move by a day. If the month runs 29 days, Eid falls on Tuesday 9 March; if it runs 30, on Wednesday 10 March.

That’s enough to plan with. Don’t wait for the announcement to get started: the steadiest prices and best deals usually come before the rush.

Phase one: two to three weeks before Ramadan

This is the time for staples that keep well: rice, sugar, oil, dates, pulses, tinned goods and kitchen basics. Grocery stores and delivery apps typically launch their “get ready for Ramadan” promotions around now.

  • Plan by household size and number of days, rather than buying in bulk without a plan.
  • Compare unit prices per kilo or litre, not pack prices. The big pack isn’t always cheaper.
  • Check expiry dates on multi-buy offers.
  • Use first-order codes on grocery apps if you’re a new customer, and check the minimum order and delivery fee.

Phase two: the first two weeks of Ramadan

Turn to household items and appliances you’ll need during the month, and to gifts if you want to send them early. Many stores run their biggest promotions at the start of the month, so compare against the prices you noted beforehand.

In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Commerce licenses seasonal sales. In February 2026, for example, it announced 1,987 licences for the Ramadan sale season. You can check any licence by scanning its barcode or through the Ministry’s document verification service.

Phase three: before the last ten nights

This is the part of the plan that matters most: order Eid clothes and gifts before the last ten nights. Stores and couriers get very busy in the final days, deliveries slip and sizes sell out. If you’re ordering from an international store, add extra time for shipping and customs clearance.

  • Look for a “last order date for delivery before Eid”, which some stores publish.
  • Check the exchange policy for clothes and gifts, especially if you’re unsure of sizes.
  • Don’t count on delivery in the last two days.

Budgeting for the month

Ramadan and Eid together are among the biggest spending periods of the year. Split your budget three ways: groceries, home and gifts, and Eid. If you use instalments, remember the payments will run past Eid, and read our Tabby and Tamara guide before deciding.

Quick ways to save more

  • Subscribe to alerts from the stores you actually use, not every store.
  • Combine orders from one store to reach free delivery.
  • Compare the bank offer with the discount code and pick whichever gives the lower final price.
  • Don’t buy because of a countdown. Buy because the item is on your list and the price is right.

How Kobon handles the season

We’ll add official Ramadan offers as soon as stores or approved partner programmes release them, each with its terms and last-checked date. We’ll also update this guide with the official start date once it’s announced.

Common questions

Are Ramadan deals better at the start or the end?

It depends on the category. Groceries are usually best before and early in the month; fashion and gifts ramp up towards Eid. Deliveries slow down in the final days, though, so don’t leave Eid essentials late.

How do I avoid overbuying?

Set quantities before you shop, based on household size and days, stick to the list, and ignore bulk offers you don’t need.

When is Ramadan officially announced?

Each country’s authorities announce the start after the moon sighting on the evening of 29 Sha’ban. Until then, plan with the expected astronomical date.

Sources

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