Question 1

What are the rules during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Muslims follow a set of Islamic practices during the Holy Month of Ramadan, including:

- Abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking between dawn and sunset
- Breaking the fast with dates during an iftar meal once the sun has set, and partaking in the pre-dawn meal of suhoor
- Performing the five daily prayers, with the option to add night-time taraweeh prayers, and reciting the Quran
- Refraining from inappropriate speech and behaviour
- Giving Zakat (charitable donations) to those in need (not limited to money) – it is particularly significant during Ramadan

Dubai is a cosmopolitan destination with people of different backgrounds and faiths living and working together, based on mutual respect and tolerance. Residents and visitors are not required to fast and there are no specific restrictions during Ramadan. Restaurants and dining establishments operate as normal, and those not fasting can eat and drink during the day. When it comes to dress code, all attire is generally acceptable, but make sure to dress appropriately for the occasion and location. You can read more about what to wear in Dubai in our guide.

If you are visiting Dubai during Ramadan, you can make the most of your time in the city by attending some of the many iftars and suhoors across restaurants, tents and hotels. While it is not required, you can choose to join in the community spirit and try fasting, or avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public spaces to demonstrate respect and be mindful of those who are.

Question 2

Are restaurants closed in Dubai during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants and dining establishments are not closed during Ramadan and will operate as normal, where non-fasting guests can eat and drink as usual. A few smaller outlets may be closed during the day, but will be open by sundown.

Some eateries will be operating at different working hours throughout the month with later starts and closing times, and special menus for iftar and suhoor. If you are keen to visit a restaurant, do call ahead or book in advance to confirm operational hours or secure your spot during the evening rush across dining venues.

Question 3

Can I visit Dubai during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can visit Dubai during Ramadan – everything is open and it is a wonderful time to experience the city’s culture. During the day, most restaurants will operate as normal, and all major attractions are open as well. You may find some places change their hours slightly, but this is the exception. Visiting Dubai during Ramadan also lets you experience this special time in the city for yourself.

Question 4

Do people give gifts during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

While some people do give gifts during Ramadan, it is more common to give people gifts during Eid Al Fitr, the holiday which marks the end of Ramadan. Dates tend to be a very common gift – as are sweets or other consumables. But there is no obligation to give gifts during Ramadan.

Question 5

How is Ramadan observed in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Ramadan in Dubai is truly a special experience. The pace of the city changes, as many people fast during the day, and eat and socialise at night. Traditional Arabian lights and decorations are a common sight across the city, as are large tents where people can meet and have iftar and suhoor. As Dubai has grown increasingly multicultural, many different kinds of restaurants now offer iftar and suhoor meals – so it is possible to break the fast with sushi or antipasto, as well as traditional dishes. Another highlight is the wonderful night markets dotted around the city, selling traditional items as well as the latest trends. With Dubai being home to more than 200 nationalities, Ramadan also becomes an opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Question 6

Is Ramadan a good time to visit Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Ramadan can be a great time to visit Dubai. It is a very special time for Muslims, and the pace of the city changes – the evenings especially are bustling, as many people have iftar not just in their homes but also outside and meet up with friends and family. For tourists, most restaurants and activities remain open during the day, and you can enjoy all the normal sights of the city during Ramadan.

Question 7

What are traditions of Ramadan In Dubai?

Accepted Answer

There are several Ramadan traditions that you can experience in Dubai. The most famous Ramadan tradition is the daily firing of cannons at sunset to mark the end of fasting. You'll also see many tents at hotels and special venues where the community comes together to enjoy iftar, or the breaking of the fast, together. In some communities, you can often see large communal iftars hosted in public places. To learn more about some of these traditions, read about the rituals of Ramadan.

Question 8

What do you do on the first day of Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

The first day of Ramadan marks the start of the fast – Muslims will rise before dawn to eat suhoor, prior to beginning the fast. It ends at Maghrib, or the sunset prayer, usually with dates and water, followed by an evening meal called iftar. This pattern continues throughout the Holy Month. There is nothing particularly different about the first day of Ramadan from the rest of the month – but during the last 10 days many increase their prayers, as this is the holiest part of the month.

Question 9

What food is eaten during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Muslims often break their Ramadan fast with just dates and water, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did. After this, iftar often consists of a light meal, with a larger suhoor meal eaten late at night. Many people will have these meals at the homes of family – but most restaurants in Dubai also serve iftar and suhoor meals. This means all types of food can be eaten during Ramadan – although traditional Emirati and Arabic food is usually the most popular.

Question 10

What is Ramadan and when is it celebrated?

Accepted Answer

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is also known as the Holy Month - as this is when the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) first had the Qu'ran revealed to him. During Ramadan, Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, and also undertake additional charity work and prayer. As the Islamic calendar and Gregorian calendar are not aligned, the dates of Ramadan change slightly by 11 days every year – currently Ramadan starts in March and ends in April.

Question 11

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the fundamental elements of the faith. During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world are bound together by the fast. It is a month for reflection and through fasting, Muslims are able to practise self-restraint. Ramadan is not the only time Muslims fast – many will also fast regularly throughout the year.

Question 12

Why do the dates of Ramadan change every year?

Accepted Answer

The dates of Ramadan change because the Islamic calendar – also known as the Hijri calendar – is lunar, following the moon's phases. Hijri years are around 11 days shorter than Gregorian years, and this means the start of Ramadan moves forward by 11 days every year. The dates of the start and end of Ramadan can also vary slightly because they depend on sighting the new crescent moon – depending on when this happens, Ramadan might start or finish a day or two earlier or later than expected.

Question 13

What should you wear during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

While there are no specific restrictions on what you can wear in Dubai anytime of the year, visitors are advised to be mindful of the local culture and religion and to ensure they are dressed appropriately for the occasion. If you are visiting a cultural or heritage area, try and cover your shoulders and knees, or wear loose fitting garments. For a visit to a mosque, men and women should dress modestly, with arms and legs covered, and women may need to wear a headscarf, so it's best to carry one with you. Swimwear is acceptable while visiting hotel pools and beaches.

At Ramadan tents and iftar and suhoor buffets, you can often see guests in the best of Arabian fashion, with seasonally inspired kaftans, abayas or light outerwear. For visitors, Ramadan is a good time to delve into the region’s culture. Plan a trip to Dubai's souks to pick up some traditional wear, including hand-tailored kandooras and embroidered abayas.

Question 14

Do hotels operate normally during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hotels operate normally during Ramadan in Dubai, although some onsite dining establishments may have different opening hours throughout the month. Most hotels will likely be hosting grand iftar meals and may have festive dining offers and events to check out as part of the Holy Month. If you are keen to explore the season's traditions and local culture, ask your hotel concierge how you can experience Ramadan and Eid while in Dubai.

Question 15

What are the rules for eating, drinking and smoking during Ramadan fasting hours?

Accepted Answer

During Ramadan, fasting Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between dawn and sunset. There are no restrictions on eating and drinking in public for those who are not fasting. However, you may choose to avoid doing so out of respect for those who are.

Question 16

Can you go to the beach and dine at restaurants during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will be able to go to the beach and visit restaurants during Ramadan in Dubai. There are a few guidelines when it comes to dress code in order to be respectful of the local culture and religion, but beachwear is acceptable at hotel beaches and pools. Restaurants will be operational throughout the day catering to those who are not fasting.

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