The Holy Month of Ramadan in Dubai – What to Expect!

This year Ramadan began on Tuesday 13 April. The date of Ramadan is decided by the UAE’s Moon sighting Committee, when they spot the crescent moon or hilal coincides with the astronomical new moon.

A Time for Reflection

One of the most important events in the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for around 30 days. Alongside daily prayer, charity, declaration of faith, and the pilgrimage to Mecca, fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a time for family, sharing, charity and reflection. Working hours and school times are reduced during Ramadan. It is a time for helping others and of cleansing before Eid al Fitr which is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan.

What to Expect During Ramadan

It is important to respect local customs and you must not eat, drink, smoke or chew in public between sunrise and sunset. You should also dress more conservatively, even if normally Dubai is quite liberal, during Ramandan, both men and women should cover their shoulders and legs down to the knees as a minimum.

Now is the perfect time to explore the city, as it is generally quieter than usual. You can also take the time to learn all about Ramadan at the Jumeirah Mosque with a guided tour. Food and drinks are still available in specially designated and hidden areas throughout Dubai’s many shopping malls. Unlike other Emirates, alcohol is not forbidden during Ramadan, so you may drink after the sun sets.

Break Fast and Enjoy Iftar

Iftar is the feast that breaks the fast of they day at sunset. Normally this is an opportunity for the community to join together and share food and drinks. It is not unusual for visitors to be invited to locals homes to share Iftar. Restaurants and hotels offer full buffets and sit down meals for Iftar where you will be able to enjoy many traditional foods!

2021 Ramadan Rules

Sadly we are still in times of pandemic, and there are rules in place to protect everyone during Holy Month this year:

• For the health and safety of society, the government advises avoiding evening gatherings during Ramadan, limiting family visits. It also advises avoiding distributing and exchanging meals between homes and families. Only members of the same family living in the same house should share meals.

  • Individuals should not create or build family or institutional iftar tents, share meals in public places or provide and distribute iftar meals in front of homes and mosques. Those interested in doing so should coordinate with charities, with donations and zakat done electronically.

  • Restaurants are prohibited from distributing charitable iftar meals inside or in front of their premises, with the delivery of such meals limited to labour housing complexes via direct coordination with the management of labour housing in each region, taking social distancing into account.

  • Tarawih prayers will be held according to COVID-19 precautionary measures, in addition to continuing the implementation of all preventive and precautionary measures while praying.

  • Iftar meals are not allowed inside mosques, and the duration of the Isha and Tarawih prayers will be limited to 30 minutes maximum.

  • Mosques will be closed immediately after prayer, while women’s prayer areas, other facilities, and external roads praying areas will remain closed.

  • As for Qiyam-ul-layl during the last ten days of Ramadan, the status of the pandemic in the country will be continuously assessed, and measures will be updated in accordance with new developments.

  • Religious lessons and meetings in mosques will remain suspended, with the option of virtual participation. The government encourages reading the Quran through smart devices, and electronic donations, donations and zakat.

Iftar will still be available in restaurants and hotels, following social distancing guidelines.

Relax and Enjoy the Ambience

This truly is an amazing time to visit Dubai, and we recommend experiencing it. The atmosphere is truly humbling and full of gratitude. We love the sense of community, peace and love. Have you been to Dubai during Ramadan? Let us know in our Facebook Group!