Visiting Dubai during Ramadan? Here's everything you need to know
If you’re planning to visit Dubai between March and August, chances are your Dubai vacation will coincide with the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of religious significance for Muslims in Dubai and around the world, ending with the celebration of Eid-Al-Fitr. In 2023, Ramadan is scheduled to begin on March 22.
Although the exact start of the month of Ramadan can change depending on the dates of the lunar Islamic calendar (where it is always the ninth month), it’s worth noting that traveling to Dubai during Ramadan can be different from staying outside Ramadan.
Dubai is home to a large number of expatriates and residents of other nationalities and religions. The importance of awareness and respect for local culture and difference cannot be overstated.
If you’re visiting Dubai during Ramadan, you need to have a basic understanding of appropriate behavior and the rules spoken and unspoken in Dubai during Ramadan. That’s why I’ve written this guide to help you understand what to expect, whether you’re a tourist or moving to Dubai.
What is the holy month of Ramadan?
One of the five pillars of Islam, the holy month of Ramadan is a month of fasting for Muslims, which serves to foster spiritual growth through the practice of self-control, abstinence, prayer, discipline, patience and gratitude.
Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset, and train themselves to control their desires and bad habits in order to reflect on life’s gifts, appreciate them and find balance.
The act of fasting (
siyam)
at itself is only part of a larger exercise aimed at improving a person’s character by purifying body, mind and soul, and learning to rid oneself of resentment, arrogance, vanity and other bad character traits. The emphasis is on charity, benevolence, compassion and kindness.
Muslims rise before sunrise to pray and eat a small meal called
Suhoor
before the morning prayer (
Fajr
) that begins the fasting day. The fast is broken at sunset during the
Iftar
in the company of family, friends and loved ones, and it’s a festive affair.
Dubai during Ramadan: what to expect
In Dubai, during Ramadan, the city can feel slower than usual, as work schedules generally change to accommodate fasting hours. Fasting is not easy, given the temperatures in Dubai at this time of year.
If you’re coming on a business trip and going to work in Dubai during Ramadan, be aware that reduced working hours and mid-day breaks are common. It’s best to schedule your meetings in the late morning accordingly, as many offices don’t work after 2/15pm.
For most fasting Muslims, it’s a time of prayer and family time.
In the evening, as the sun sets, you can hear the cannons ringing around Dubai to announce the end of the fasting day and the start ofIftar.
Food and drink during Ramadan in Dubai
During the day, until sunset when the fast is broken, it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public places in Dubai during Ramadan. Failure to comply may result in a fine.
We’re talking about not chewing gum, or even taking a sip of water when you’re strolling through a mall like the Dubai Mall or out on the town. These rules apply to ALL public spaces such as metro stations, buses, Old Dubai or one of Dubai’s chic new promenades.
You need to pay attention, because there are no exceptions, even when it’s very hot in Dubai in summer. If you need a sip of water, you can drink it in a private, enclosed space – like a subway station restroom or an operational food court in a shopping mall.
But that doesn’t mean that, as a tourist, you’ll go hungry in Dubai during Ramadan. So, are restaurants open in Dubai during Ramadan? The short answer is yes.
Can you eat in Dubai during Ramadan?
Although eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in public places, you’ll find restaurants and cafés in Dubai that serve meals during the day. Whereas previously they did so indoors, behind covered windows or drawn curtains or blinds, and needed special licenses to serve food during fasting hours, this is no longer the case – since 2021, restaurants and cafés have been doing business as usual.
Food courts, cafés and restaurants, whether stand-alone or integrated into shopping centers, retail districts or hotels, will serve meals throughout the day.
Dubai cinemas have also started serving food to non-fasting moviegoers at the snack bar. If you’re visiting a theme park, there are sure to be restaurants serving food during the day.
Iftar in Dubai during Ramadan
The tradition ofIftar during Ramadan in Dubai is well worth living. Throughout the city, traditional tents are set up and sumptuous buffets are offered to everyone, whether Muslims are fasting or not. Fasting Muslims usually break their fast with a sip of water and dates, before moving on to the rest of the meal.
After sunset, almost all restaurants, whatever the cuisine they serve, offer an interesting Iftar. Iftar is generally a buffet of starters, side dishes, main courses and desserts, all at a reasonable price.
It is common to receive invitations for the
Iftar
from friends, neighbors or colleagues. Be polite and accept when you can. After all, it’s a great way to discover an important local tradition. If you are attending an Iftar, please dress modestly.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai during Ramadan?
In recent years, Dubai has become even more liberal in its rules for residents and tourists who do not fast during Ramadan. 10 years ago, you couldn’t find a bar open during the month of Ramadan, for example.
But that’s all changed now.
Are bars open in Dubai during Ramadan? Here again, the short answer is yes.
There are a number of bars serving alcohol after sunset in Dubai, so it’s possible to go out during Ramadan. They are usually found in hotels, as they have the special licenses needed to operate during Ramadan.
But you won’t find loud music, live bands or resident DJs, as is the case the rest of the year. And certainly not brunch, that Dubai weekend tradition. So forget about partying in Dubai during Ramadan.
Nightlife in Dubai during Ramadan
Nightlife in Dubai during Ramadan is much quieter, and you won’t find any parties, ladies’ nights or nightclubs in operation, even if the offer is tending to evolve.
However, this doesn’t mean that Dubai goes to bed early during Ramadan – far from it. The city takes on a festive air after sunset, once the fast is broken, and you’ll find people in the city’s night markets and shopping malls.
AfterIftar, fasting Muslims and other nationalities living in Dubai can be found strolling through the night markets, drinking tea, snacking, shopping and so on. It’s a great excuse to discover a different kind of nightlife in Dubai.
Many shopping centers also operate late into the night, providing an excellent opportunity to do some shopping.
What to wear in Dubai during Ramadan
Ramadan in Dubai is a time of prayer and humility. Men and women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees in public spaces such as shopping malls, offices, cinemas and parks. If you’re wearing sleeveless clothes or tank tops, put a jacket or scarf over them. Long skirts, dresses and pants are a better choice than knee-length garments and shorts for this m
If you plan to travel in Dubai by public transport during Ramadan, it is advisable to take note of the modified opening hours by consulting the official RTA website.
Tourist attractions – What to do in Dubai during Ramadan?
In addition to the usual sights and attractions, here are some unique things to do in Dubai during Ramadan.
Experience an Iftar in Dubai during Ramadan
An Iftar in Dubai is more than just a cultural tradition of feasting after sunset. While it’s a great way to learn about Ramadan customs and sample delicious local dishes, in modern, cosmopolitan Dubai, an iftar is also a reflection of how different cultures live and thrive in a city like Dubai.
For me, it’s a beautiful thing to see Emiratis, Jordanians, Indians, Americans, Germans and Filipinos breaking the fast together at an Iftar table, be they friends or colleagues. This camaraderie around a tradition that may not even be part of their culture fills my heart with pride for my hometown.
GuidedIftar walk in Old Dubai
To discover a different side of Dubai during Ramadan, take a guided
guided walk in French
in Old Dubai with Visiter Dubai.
The magnificent Jumeirah Mosque is one of two mosques in Dubai open at set times. Make a
guided tour of the Jumeirah Mosque
to learn more about Emirati culture and traditions, or the Grand Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Should you travel to Dubai during Ramadan?
Although many Dubai residents leave the city during Ramadan. Ramadan is a good time to visit Dubai if you like the idea of fewer crowds and lower hotel rates. Ramadan usually takes place in the summer or early summer, and as it’s not exactly the same time of year, it’s a good time to take a break. best time to visit Dubaiis the low tourist season.
Dubai is a much quieter city during Ramadan, if you like that kind of atmosphere. The advantage is that you’ll see fewer crowds at popular and otherwise crowded attractions like the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa.
Who doesn’t like shopping and sightseeing a little more leisurely? Plus, there are incredible sales and discounts up for grabs.
Eid-Al-Fitr in Dubai
The end of Ramadan in Dubai is marked by the joyous celebration ofEid-Al-Fitr. This is the time when the whole city celebrates in the markets, enjoys the fireworks, shops in the malls and feasts all over town. There are amazing sales, events and shows on this holiday, and it’s both busy and crowded all over Dubai.
The futur new Union Museum in Dubai.
From The National news paper :
DUBAI // A Dh500 million museum celebrating the birth of the nation was on Monday endorsed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
The Union Museum, which will cover 2.5 hectares and include restored historic buildings, will tell the UAE’s story from 1968 onwards.
“It’s important to have such a museum in the UAE because until now, we don’t have one in the country,” said Rashad Bukhash, director of architectural heritage at Dubai Municipality.
“Such a museum will show the history, the establishment of the country and how it was set up, as well as how it was developed during the last 44 years.
“All this is vital for our coming generations who did not witness the establishment of the country and what the situation was before that.”
The museum will be next to the Union House, the historical landmark where the signing of the treaty establishing the UAE took place in 1971.
“New generations will able to see through this museum the UAE’s history, establishment and the achievements that happened since its inception, as it will cover some parts before that date,” Mr Bukhash said.
“Residents in the UAE will also be able to learn about the country’s history and it is a very important attraction for the tourists. The country is putting a lot of emphasis on tourism. It is the third income of the country and we had more than 12 million tourists in Dubai last year.”
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by the members of the board of Union House on the final designs and external parts of the museum, and the timeline for the project.
The museum will outline events from 1968 to 1974 and draw on the political and social circumstances of this period of UAE history.
“It is very crucial for people to see this,” Mr Bukhash said. “There will be some information about previous rulers, such as Sheikh Zayed [founding President of the UAE], Sheikh Rashid [bin Saeed, former Ruler of Dubai], and other Rulers of other emirates.”
The entrance of the new pavilion is designed in the shape of a manuscript with seven columns that simulate the pen used to sign the declaration. The museum includes permanent and temporary halls, a theatre, educational and recreational areas and administration offices.
“Museums as buildings are very important because within a couple of hours, visitors can get a lot of information, whether a national or a specialised museum, such as falcon or camel museums,” Mr Bukhash said. “You can get a lot of culture, people and history of the UAE.
“In Abu Dhabi, there is the Sheikh Zayed Museum, called National Museum of the UAE. The Louvre and Guggenheim will open soon and in Dubai we will have a lot of other new museums in the Shindagha area coming up, as well as in Sharjah.”
The museum will be partly built underground and the area’s landscape will be restored to its 1971 conditions. A new waterfront will simulate the coastline in that period and a 123 metre-flag pole will substitute the old one, which was built in 2001.
Du sur-mesure à Satwa !
Le quartier de Satwa renferme un tas de surprises comme j'avais déjà pu vous en faire part sur un précédent post de ma page Facebook :
Ce quartier hétéroclite et assez éloigné des clichés habituellement recensés sur Dubai et les Emirats arabes unis en général se trouve (pour faire simple) juste à côté de la mosquée de Jumeirah, entre la plage et Sheikh Zayed road (la deux fois 6 voies qui traverse Dubai).
Principalement asiatique, on y croise pratiquement toutes les nationalités de l'océan Indien. Un joyeux chaos savamment orchestré !
Dès mon arrivée ici à Dubai, on m'avait toujours parlé des supers plans concernant le fait de se faire faire des habits sur mesure par des couturiers indiens. J'avoue que l'idée m'aurait été complétement étrangère en France, tout simplement pour des raisons de coûts.
J'avoue qu'ici à Dubai la question se pose différemment car quand on cherche bien, il y a vraiment de bons artisans dont le travail vaut le déplacement.
Après en avoir fait le tour, j'ai trouvé la perle rare !
Un peu derrière la rue principale, pas loin de la station de bus de Satwa, il faut s'enfoncer et cela en vaut la peine. Arriver avec un modèle que vous aimez et il le reproduiront à l'identique avec le tissu de votre choix. A ce niveau, le choix est plutôt pas mal, tant pour le travail que pour un tas d'autres choses. Ça reste néanmoins très classique. C'est le prix du tissu qui va faire varier l'addition.
Les tailleurs/couturiers sont efficaces à la mode indienne ; comprenez qu'il faut tout de même un peu de temps pour tout mettre au point. L'expérience est totale ou presque car on se fait servir des rafraichissements/café, le tout dans la bonne humeur, avec humour et pour une facture finale se rapprochant plus d'un H&M que de marques plus onéreuses.
Tous les détails se demandent et on ne vous refusera rien : des boutons de couleurs différents, des coutures aux formes les plus extravagantes comme les plus simples, des fils de coutures avec une couleur spéciale ...
A partir du moment où vous souhaitez qu'ils vous reproduisent un vêtement, il faut compter un peu plus de temps : environ une petite semaine. Cela s'adresse donc plus aux voyageurs qui restent à Dubai plus que le temps d'une escale. Bien qu'entre une escale à aller et une escale au retour, rien n'est impossible !
Enjoy ! :)
Based jump du Burj Khalifa à Dubai !
Et voici un vidéo toute fraîche d'un saut du Haut du Burj Khalifa à Dubai, la tour la plus haute du monde avec ses 828m.
Retenez votre souffle !!
http://youtu.be/iD4qsWnjsNU
8th edition of Art Dubai features the fair's largest and most dynamic programming to date
#ARTDUBAI ouvre aujourd'hui ! Une des foires d'art contemporain les plus importantes et les plus dynamiques du Moyen Orient. A ne rater sous aucun prétexte pour les amateurs d'art. Du 19 au 22 mars, Mina Al Salaam, Madinat Jumeirah.
19–21 at Art Dubai, Mina A'Salam, Madinat Jumeirah
More Information
Copyright © artdaily.org
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Sheikh Zayed Raod in mid 2001
Under-Construction Fairmont hotel can be seen on the Far right.
Fairmont Dubai is a 34-storey, 153 m (502 ft) skyscraper hotel completed in 2002 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The hotel is managed by the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts brand.
[/blockquote]
Seen on medubai.com
http://youtu.be/DkXwWgEyMic
Devin Graham nous fait découvrir Dubaï à bord de parachutes à moteur
Devin Graham continue de nous abreuver de ses superbes réalisations en nous emmenant cette fois à Dubaï, à bord de parachutes propulsés par des hélices.
Copyright © Gentside Sport
[/blockquote]
Seen on www.chronofoot.com
Dubai City Tour
With a duration of 4 to 5 hours, this guided visit is a good way to understand what the city of Dubai is made of. We will have a look to the jumeirah Mosq then we will continue our journey along the Jumeirah suburb to have a look on the Burj AL Arab, the famous auto proclaimed 7 stars hotel.
Then we will continue towards the Dubai Creek and visit the Dubai Museum and the different souks as the Spice souk, the gold souk and the Meena bazar, also known as the Fabrics souk. We will cross the Creek with the traditional wooden boats : the Abras.