What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact dates change each year because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based. In UAE, a committee of religious leaders, astronomers, and government officials confirm the dates of the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal) and the beginning of Ramadan.Muslims fast from dawn till sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs as an act of worship, reflection, and self-discipline. It's a time for increased prayer, Qur'an recitation, reflection, and acts of kindness and charity.
Ramadan 2023: 10 March 2024 - 8 April 2024
(The actual dates may vary by a day or so, depending on moon sighting)
How Ramadan in Dubai Affects Tourists
The fast pace of life in the city slows down a bit during the daytime on Ramadan- with the working hours of offices, schools, and shops getting shorter than usual. Most of the malls and shopping centers open at their ordinary time, but some shops remain closed during the day and only open after sunset, so check their timings twice before you go out shopping during Ramadan. Ramadan in Dubai is not usually the peak tourist season due to the hot climate and slow business days.
Tourist Services in Dubai During Ramadan
- Dining: Most restaurants and bars will not be open during the day, but there are some designated cafes and restaurants for tourists and those not fasting, permitting only indoor dining. Walking around eating and drinking in public is unacceptable and should be avoided.
- Shopping: Malls and shops typically have altered timings during Ramadan, opening later in the day and staying open until late at night. It's advisable to check in advance.
- Activities: Tourist attractions and activities operate with adjusted hours, so it's best to confirm the timings in advance.
- Transportation: Operating times of the metro and tram services also vary, and the hours are announced in the local media.
Public Behavior During Ramadan in Dubai
Dress Modestly: Both men and women, are expected to dress conservatively during Ramadan in Dubai, covering shoulders to knees. While Dubai is very lenient throughout the year, it is advisable to refrain from wearing shorts, exposing, and tight clothes during Ramadan so as not to offend the locals. However, you can wear the clothing of your choice in your hotel rooms, private pools, and beaches at hotels.
Public Conduct:
- Public displays of affection, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours should be avoided out of respect for those observing the fast.
- In Dubai, eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum in public during Ramadan days are considered offensive and can be punishable by up to one month in jail and a fine of up to AED 2000. The rule applies to everyone, irrespective of faith. Even though non-Muslims are not expected to fast, they must respect the holy month and those who are fasting by refraining from eating and drinking in public places during that time.
Suhoor & Iftar in Dubai
Iftar: Iftar is the meal to break the fast at sunset.
Suhoor: Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins.
Almost all hotels offer you an All-You-Can-Eat Iftar feast during Ramadan in Dubai, serving authentic Arabic dishes. The fast is usually broken after the evening prayers (Maghrib) by consuming water and dates, followed by a wholesome meal constituting multiple courses and cuisines. Many Muslim families and some restaurants host generous Iftar feasts for locals, including non-Muslims. So, if you are invited to an Iftar Party, consider yourself lucky to have the fantastic opportunity of witnessing the traditions and experiencing the authentic taste of Emirati cuisine.
Many restaurants and live cooking stations offer Iftar buffets, serving traditional delicacies starting from a price of AED 60 per person. If you are looking for a more authentic Iftar experience, visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the historic Al Fahidi district, where you can enjoy the traditional Iftar in a wind tower house seated on the carpeted floor. Or go to the auditorium at Dubai Opera to enjoy your Iftar in a festoon-lit banquet hall with classical Arabic music. Also, there are beautifully set up Ramadan tents in Dubai, where people can have their Iftar feast, smoke Shisha/Hookah, play board games, and have family gatherings till late at night.
Cannons are fired at sunset in various locations across the city to mark the start of Iftar (evening meals), when you can witness the peaceful and quiet town emerging into a buzzing hub of activities. The traffic during this hour can be chaotic as people rush to homes or restaurants for the Iftar parties.
Special Activities and Highlights of Ramadan in Dubai
Eid Al Fitr: The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid Al Fitr, a joyous celebration involving special prayers, feasts, family gatherings, and acts of charity. Tourists can participate in the festivities and enjoy the communal spirit.
Nightly Ramadan Tents: Many hotels set up grand Iftar tents that offer an authentic Ramadan experience with traditional decor, entertainment, and a lavish buffet.
Ramadan Nights: You can attend cultural events and exhibitions that showcase the traditions, heritage, and art of the region during Ramadan.
Mosques and Cultural Tours: Visiting the mosques in Dubai during Ramadan makes sure that you have a culturally enriching experience, by giving you a visual treat and an idea of the religious significance of the festival. The grand Jumeirah Mosque, the eco-friendly Khalifa Al Tajer Mosque, Imam Hussein Mosque, and Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque- are some of the essential mosques in Dubai, where you would get to learn about the religious and cultural significance of Ramadan in Dubai, with the help of tourist guides.
Shopping and Entertainment During Ramadan in Dubai
- Enjoy exclusive Ramadan offers in shopping centers and malls and discounted ticket fares at fun places like Motiongate, SkiDubai, Wild Wadi, and other theme parks. There are also exclusive Ramadan and Iftar deals at restaurants and eateries.
- Visit the busy night markets that illuminate the city as soon as the sunsets. There are stalls exclusively put up for Ramadan special night shopping, such as the Ramadan Night Market at Za’abeel Hall World Trade Centre Dubai. The market has over 400 shopping outlets, interactive workshops, kids' areas, Henna counters, and more.
- Take a tour around the Ramadan RWAQ at the JBR Walk- an annual month-long event showcasing Arabian art and culture, art exhibits, retail, and fusion delicacies.
- Football enthusiasts can attend the Ramadan Football tournament at the Dubai Sports City, which organizes a 7-a-side football championship in a fully air-conditioned FIFA-approved indoor stadium.
- Take a Ramadan photography tour with the Gulf Photo Plus, a photography center that organizes tours, exhibitions, and other events to provide photography education for tourists.
- You can sign up for the Old Dubai Iftar Walk to attend a community Iftar and do some street snapping in the backstreets of Old Dubai.
