The Holy Month of Ramadan is an important time for Muslims around the globe, with various customs being observed. As families gather to fast, pray and enjoy more time together, the community comes to life in Dubai with Muslims and non-Muslims participating in various events. If you are visiting Dubai during Ramadan, there are a few important things to know about the local norms and all the delicious meals you get to enjoy in between!
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a Holy Month observed by Muslims and reflects back upon the 9th month in which the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The dates around Ramadan change annually as they are based upon the cycle of the moon, but if you’re visiting during this time, you’re in luck as you get to partake in the various activities while Dubai as we know it takes a different spin!
What you need to know about the daily rituals
A typical day during the Holy Month begins with suhoor, also known as the morning meal. Muslims awake before dawn occurs to gather as a family and prepare for the day of fasting. After the morning prayer, families eat a delightful suhoor together. While suhoor in Dubai is typically enjoyed at home during the week, families head out to restaurants or oumsiat tents to enjoy a refuel before the day of fasting.
The fasting period is referred to as siyam, when Muslims refrain from drinking, eating and smoking during sunrise and sunset. This time is also for Muslims to avoid negative words, thoughts and actions. Siyam is a time where Muslims reconnect with their spirituality through atonement, worship and expressing thankfulness.
Following siyam, iftar is when Muslims break their fast as the sun sets. Iftar is kickstarted by enjoying dates and water like the Prophet Muhammad did, with families coming together to savour a large spread of tradiitonal Arabic meals, coffee and sweets. Local restaurants and hotels go above and beyond to make this time extra special for diners and guests, putting up beautiful Arabian decor to create an enchanting ambience while diners taste their way through large spreads of Emirati food.
Do’s and Don’ts During Ramadan
It’s always helpful to have some references on what you should and shouldn’t do as a non-Muslim visiting Dubai during Ramadan! Here’s our list:
Do’s:
- Use Ramadan greetings. Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem are common greetings that are used to indicate greetings of prosperity and blessings.
- Accept invitations to Iftar. It is considered polite to accept Iftar invitations and take along a small gift of thanks for the host or hostess.
- Wear appropriate clothing. When visiting public areas, wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
Don’ts:
- Don’t drink and eat in public during the daytime. Showing consideration for those fasting is respectful. This includes avoiding chewing gum! However, restaurants still serve food to non-Muslim guests during this time, so here is where you are allowed to enjoy a meal while you are out and about in Dubai.
- Avoid loud music and making noise during Ramadan. This period is a time for reflection, so be sure to avoid playing loud music in your house or car.
- Don’t smoke in public. This is forbidden in public areas during Ramadan.
- Refrain from using offensive gestures and swear words. Be polite and respectful at all times during this period (and beyond).
What happens after Ramadan?
Once Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of the fasting period that is once again determined by the moon. Eid in Dubai is often met with a few days of public holidays, with locals and residents enjoying widespread feasts, staycations or even international holidays!
Enjoying a vacation during Ramadan and Eid
It’s not uncommon to see visitors (or locals and residents!) enjoy a relaxing getaway during the period of Ramadan or Eid al-Fitr! Many hotels often provide special offers for locals and visitors to enjoy an escape in the city. This comes with the added convenience of not having to prepare your own suhoor or iftar, or simply as a welcome staycation or getaway to enjoy some quality time after a long month of fasting!
Thirty Sleeps is your gateway to locating some of the best accommodation offers in Dubai. Indulge yourself with a humbling staycation during the month of Ramadan as you immerse yourself in the culture and traditions! Stay for 30 days or longer and we’ll reward you with benefits and perks to match.
Residents and visitors are invited to partake in the festivities during this time, and what better way to experience Ramadan than from the comfort of a fully furnished and serviced hotel, villa or hotel apartment in the city? Enjoy the luxury of the facilities on-site while you indulge in a mouth-watering iftar and suhoor experience at your accommodation of choice. Alternatively, opt for a destination that’s closely located to Dubai’s metro stations for easy access to the restaurants that beckon you to enjoy an unforgettable gastronomical feast!
We help you find the accommodation that best suits your needs. Whether you’re visiting with family or flying solo, embrace the charm and wonder of this special time in Dubai while staying at one of our local Sleep Partners.
Visit our website to start browsing through the plethora of options and locate your ideal accommodation for the upcoming Ramadan period!
