If you're planning a trip to Dubai between March and August, there's a good chance that your vacation in Dubai coincide with the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a religious celebration for Muslims in Dubai and around the world.
To make sure your trip goes smoothly, I'm going to tell you all about this special month in detail.
Ramadan in Dubai: article summary
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month of fasting for Muslims. It is used to help spiritual growth by practicing self-control, abstinence, prayer, discipline, patience and gratitude.
Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan in Dubai: what to expect
Dubai during Ramadan may seem slower than usual. Indeed, work schedules usually change to accommodate fasting hours. Fasting is not an easy task, given the high summer temperatures in Dubai.
If you are coming to Dubai on business and will be working during Ramadan, you should know that shorter working hours and mid-day breaks are common. It's best to schedule your meetings for late morning or early afternoon. During this period, many offices are not open after 4pm.
For most fasting Muslims, it's a time for prayer and family time.
As evening falls and the sun goes down, you can hear the cannons ringing around Dubai to announce the end of the fasting day and the start of Iftar.
These meals are organized by most hotels, restaurants, companies and some cultural organizations.
Can you eat in Dubai during Ramadan?
Although it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public spaces, you can find restaurants and cafés around Dubai that are open to the public. serve meals during the day.
Food courts, cafés and restaurants, whether stand-alone or in malls, shopping districts or hotels, will serve meals throughout the day.
Dubai cinemas have also started serving food to moviegoers who don't fast. If you're visiting a theme park, there will certainly be restaurants serving food during the day.
Nightlife in Dubai during Ramadan
Nightlife in Dubai during Ramadan is much quieter, and you won't find as many party nights as usual.
However, this doesn't mean that Dubai goes to bed early during Ramadan - far from it. The city takes on a festive ambience after sunset, after the breaking of the fast, and you'll find people in the city's night markets and shopping malls.
Many shopping malls also operate for long hours later into the night, so it's a great opportunity to do some shopping.
What to wear in Dubai during Ramadan
Ramadan in Dubai is a time of prayer and humility. Dressing up in a conservative and respectful manner is appreciated and will earn you the respect of the locals.
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, wear a jacket or scarf over them.
What to do in Dubai during Ramadan
In addition to the usual sights and attractions, here are some unique things to do in Dubai, especially during Ramadan.
Experience an iftar in Dubai during Ramadan
An iftar in Dubai is more than just an after-sunset tradition. If it's an excellent way to discover the customs of Ramadan and taste delicious local dishes.
For a traditional experience, sign up for an iftar at Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding.
For a more international experience, choose one of the many iftar tents around Dubai, like the tent in Khaymat Al Bahar at the grand Jumeirah Al Qasr.
Take a stroll through the streets of old Dubai
You can see what Dubai's oldest neighborhoods look like in the hours leading up to iftar. Afterwards, you'll visit an Indian street stall, an Afghan bakery and stroll through the city's narrow streets. You'll understand the beauty of this international event.
Visit a mosque in Dubai
The magnificent Jumeirah mosque is one of two mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslims at set times. Take a guided tour of the Jumeirah Mosque for find out more about the culture and traditions of the local people.
Should you travel to Dubai during Ramadan?
While many residents leave the city during Ramadan, for me it's a good time to visit Dubai if you're are looking for quieter tourist spots and want to take advantage of attractive hotel prices.
Ramadan usually takes place in summer, and as it's not exactly the best time to visit Dubai, it's the low tourist season. This means you'll also find cheap flights to Dubai as well as reduced rates for theme parks such as Legoland DubaiBollywood Parks and Dubai Parks & Resorts.
Dubai is a much quieter city during Ramadan. The advantage is that you'll see fewer people at popular attractions such as the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. A perfect moment for visit the city's various tourist attractions.
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