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Dubai Travel Guide Tips During Ramadan
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Dubai Travel Guide Tips During Ramadan - Destination Overview
Dubai Travel Tips - Dubai Ramadan Rule and Reguration
1. Am I allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public during fasting hours?
No, during fasting hours, even non-Muslims are expected to follow the rules of fasting. You are allowed to eat, drink and smoke in private. During work, companies are required to provide an eating room away from those fasting.
2. Is there a set time where fast begins and ends?
Fasting follows the sunset and sunrise. So make sure to check up a prayer timing sheet and follow that for the times when eat is not allowed.
3. Do people in UAE have to wear modest clothes?
Modesty in dress is essential during the holy month, and men and women are expected to dress more modestly during Ramadan. In particular, revealing and tight clothing should be avoided. Women should keep cleavage, knees and shoulders covered out of respect. This includes when people are heading for a night out.
4. How should I treat my friends and co-workers who are fasting?
The first week or two is usually the hardest for fasters. Not drinking water, not eating and quitting smoking or medication can have a big effect on those fasting - so don’t be offended if they don’t want to hang out before Iftar.
5. Do stores open during fasting hours?
Yes, however restaurants will be closed. Almost all stores will be closed the hour before and a couple of hours after sunset, so make sure to call to find out when Ramadan hours are. After Iftar, almost everywhere will be open.
6. Is the entire month the same?
No, towards the end, the last 10 days, prayer intensifies as devout Muslims can spend all night praying to make the best out of this holiest time. Workers might come in tired or sleep deprived, along with feeling the effects of the fast, so be mindful.
7. Working hours during Ramadan?
This follows the guidelines set up by the Federal Government for public and private sector companies, often omitting the lunch break and finishing the working day in the early afternoon.
9. Is drinking, eating or smoking in a car considered a crime?
Don’t smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public in the hours between sunrise and sunset. It’s offensive, and flagrant flaunting of the rules could also get you a warning from the police or even result in you spending the rest of the month in jail.
10. Can visitors, tourists or non-Muslim residents go to clubs or buy alcohol during Ramadan?
Most major nightclubs will close for Ramadan. Bars, pubs and lounges will generally remain open but will only serve alcohol after sunset. There is also no live music and nothing above quiet background music in bars and pubs.
11. Do all restaurants stop serving food to residents and visitors even if they are non-Muslims?
Most restaurants and cafes are closed during the day until sunset. Many of them will have a closed off areas and remain open discretely for non-fasters.
12. Where can people who don’t fast get their lunch?
Supermarkets are open. Takeaway food can be delivered. Some hotels have a restaurant available where non-fasters can eat (Dubai is better served than the rest of the UAE in this regard) and room service remains available.
13. Can non-Muslims or non-fasters eat during daylight hours in front of their colleagues who are fasting?
No. If employees work in a shared or open plan office; they can designate a room where the door can be closed because the point here is to be respectful to those colleagues that are fasting.
14. Can people wear bikinis on the beach during Ramadan?
Public beaches, beach parks and hotel pools will all be open as usual, so people can continue to wear swimwear in these areas.
Do wish your Muslim friends and colleagues ‘Ramadan Kareem’, especially at the beginning of the month. This means ‘wishing you a generous Ramadan’.
Do get into the charitable spirit by donating to Ramadan camps, putting together care packages and getting involved with other campaigns.
Do try and avoid the roads during iftar time. They will be particularly busy as people who are fasting are likely to travel at this time to get home for iftar or to the nearest mosque for prayers.
Do keep in mind that office hours change during Ramadan, which affects traffic patterns. The rush-hour will occur earlier, from 7am to 9am, followed by another one from 1pm to 3pm as people leave work. Peak traffic can also occur from 8pm to midnight as people go home after iftar.
Do show respect to those who are fasting, and check if someone is abstaining before offering food.
Do be mindful and consider whether you have Muslim friends who are fasting on your social media networks before using strong language or sharing images that could be deemed inappropriate.
Do accept food or drink when offered during iftar, as it is a sign of respect and friendliness.
Do take a gift or dates for your host if you are invited by Muslim friends to share an iftar meal.
Do enjoy the community spirit and delicious food at iftars held around the city. These offer a memorable experience and are a great opportunity to meet new people, experience traditional Arabic entertainment and play games, all in a convivial atmosphere.
Don’t eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in public during the Holy Month. If you work in an office, set up a designated, closed-off area for non-Muslims to eat and drink discreetly.
Don’t wear revealing or tight clothes during the month of Ramadan and dress conservatively when in public.
Don’t attempt to speak to or walk in front of somebody while they are praying.
Don’t play loud music, as it may offend those who are fasting. You may, however, listen to music through your headphones in public (including on the Metro and Tram) so long as it is not loud enough to be audible to others.
Don’t sing, dance or be intoxicated in public at any time of the day or night. The majority of nightclubs will close for the duration of Ramadan. Bars, pubs and licensed shops will open at certain times, but will only be allowed to serve drinks a short while after sunset.
Don’t get into debates or arguments, or pick fights – it is the month of peace and serenity. Also avoid swearing in public, which is frowned upon at the best of times, but particularly offensive during Ramadan.
Don’t leave dinner reservations until the last minute. Restaurants across Dubai can become much busier as families meet to break the fast together.
Ramadan events and activities in Dubai and the UAE
Iftar is the time when fasting ends for the day. Maghrib prayers are the prayers held at Iftar time.
Iftar is not the time to have a large feast - traditionally it was a few dates and some water. Later in the evening is when it becomes more festive with larger meals enjoyed amongst friends and family after Magreb prayers (magrib, maghreb, maghrib).
Mosques offer free Iftar meals to the less privileged members of society, whether they are Muslim or not. The meals might be sponsored by charities, companies, or individuals. The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque has one of the largest Iftar gatherings in their carpark.
Many hotels will have special Iftar tents where customers can have a simple or more complex meal - with a range of prices to match.
Ramadan is seen as an opportunity to visit friends and family members, especially those with whom contact has faded.
The rulers in various emirates pardon a number of prison inmates on the first day of Ramadan. Some are also released for the month of Ramadan to spend time with their family.
Most businesses and government offices will close for the day sometime between 1400 and 1600. Iftar is at sunset, around 1730-1900 depending on the time of year. Some government departments will reopen in the evenings for 2-4 hours between 2000 andmidnight.
Business activities tend to slow down during Ramadan. Expect delays with any commercial or bureaucratic activities.
Almost all restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day but many will extend their opening hours at night.
There might be a few eating outlets open during the day for dine-in customers in larger hotels and shopping centers. Some fast food restaurants allow drive-through or take-outs.
Supermarkets are normally open during the day and have extended hours at night - sometimes till midnight or even later.
Shopping centers are open during the day and an extra hour or two at night. Closing times might be as late as midnight or 0100 (1am).
Rules and expectations specific to Dubai and the UAE
It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours (including in your car). Urban legend has it that you end up in jail for the remainder of the month of Ramadan if caught, however it is more likely that you'll get a lecture from the police and possibly a fine. The law says a fine up to 2000 / 2500 dhs or up to 1 or 2 month jail sentence as far as we know.
For example, in September 2008, a Lebanese male resident and Russian female visitor were drinking juice in an EPPCO petrol station in Dubai before Iftar, and fined 1000 dhs each according to an article in the Gulf News. Apparently a witness saw them and reported them to the police, who shipped the couple off to court. It seems a surprisingly harsh outcome, unless there is more to the story than was reported.
Sharjah is likely to have harsher penalties for the same offence.
Khalil Ibrahim Mansouri, Director General of the department of criminal investigation at the Dubai Police, was reported on 20 August 2009 as saying "We call on people to help us by reporting anyone they see breaking the fast", referring to people eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day during Ramadan. The report seemed to think that Mr Mansouri was keen to see residents and visitors chucked in jail - the headline was "People caught eating during Ramadan face jail" and pointed out that 24 people had been jailed in Dubai in the past 3 years for violating the Ramadan fasting period. The original source of the report is unclear.
If you have hungry children, they are permitted to eat during the day but it would be sensible to be discreet about it. If you're desperate for food or drink for them, get a snack at a supermarket or service station, or possibly a restaurant/cafe even if they look closed (knock on the door - there might be someone in the back).
It is respectful and polite to dress more conservatively during Ramadan - shoulders and legs should be covered, although it is apparent when walking around some of the shopping malls in Dubai that many people either don't know or don't bother.
Bars in Dubai are usually still open but patrons might be asked what religion they are and refused entry if they say they are Muslim. Live and loud music is banned, so is dancing, so most nightclubs in Dubai will be closed or very quiet. Bars in Abu Dhabi are probably open in the evenings (they used to be closed but that changed in 2000-and-something). Bars in Ras Al Khaimah usually stay open. Bars in Sharjah don't exist.
Any alcohol related offences will probably be treated much more severely than outside the month of Ramadan - it is quite possible an offender is stuck in prison until the end of Ramadan.
Car stereos should be turned down - loud music, especially rock or similar music, is disrespectful at least, and if police hear it, they'll have something to say about it.
Traffic jam times change - the morning is not much different but afternoons from 1300-1600 is quite busy, and again just before Iftar as many people are trying to get to a desired location for Iftar. Every year there are numerous accidents and requests from police to drive carefully at the time. For an hour or so just after Iftar, and from 1600 to an hour or so before Iftar, the roads are relatively traffic-free.
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If there is any rejection, Black list OR any type of interruption by Dubai immigration then Visa charge + visa application cancellation charge (USD36 Per Visa) will be applicable.
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Dubai Ramadan Rule and Reguration;-
1. Am I allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public during fasting hours?
No, during fasting hours, even non-Muslims are expected to follow the rules of fasting. You are allowed to eat, drink and smoke in private. During work, companies are required to provide an eating room away from those fasting.
2. Is there a set time where fast begins and ends?
Fasting follows the sunset and sunrise. So make sure to check up a prayer timing sheet and follow that for the times when eat is not allowed.
3. Do people in UAE have to wear modest clothes?
Modesty in dress is essential during the holy month, and men and women are expected to dress more modestly during Ramadan. In particular, revealing and tight clothing should be avoided. Women should keep cleavage, knees and shoulders covered out of respect. This includes when people are heading for a night out.
4. How should I treat my friends and co-workers who are fasting?
The first week or two is usually the hardest for fasters. Not drinking water, not eating and quitting smoking or medication can have a big effect on those fasting - so don’t be offended if they don’t want to hang out before Iftar.
5. Do stores open during fasting hours?
Yes, however restaurants will be closed. Almost all stores will be closed the hour before and a couple of hours after sunset, so make sure to call to find out when Ramadan hours are. After Iftar, almost everywhere will be open.
6. Is the entire month the same?
No, towards the end, the last 10 days, prayer intensifies as devout Muslims can spend all night praying to make the best out of this holiest time. Workers might come in tired or sleep deprived, along with feeling the effects of the fast, so be mindful.
7. Working hours during Ramadan?
This follows the guidelines set up by the Federal Government for public and private sector companies, often omitting the lunch break and finishing the working day in the early afternoon.
9. Is drinking, eating or smoking in a car considered a crime?
Don’t smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public in the hours between sunrise and sunset. It’s offensive, and flagrant flaunting of the rules could also get you a warning from the police or even result in you spending the rest of the month in jail.
10. Can visitors, tourists or non-Muslim residents go to clubs or buy alcohol during Ramadan?
Most major nightclubs will close for Ramadan. Bars, pubs and lounges will generally remain open but will only serve alcohol after sunset. There is also no live music and nothing above quiet background music in bars and pubs.
11. Do all restaurants stop serving food to residents and visitors even if they are non-Muslims?
Most restaurants and cafes are closed during the day until sunset. Many of them will have a closed off areas and remain open discretely for non-fasters.
12. Where can people who don’t fast get their lunch?
Supermarkets are open. Takeaway food can be delivered. Some hotels have a restaurant available where non-fasters can eat (Dubai is better served than the rest of the UAE in this regard) and room service remains available.
13. Can non-Muslims or non-fasters eat during daylight hours in front of their colleagues who are fasting?
No. If employees work in a shared or open plan office; they can designate a room where the door can be closed because the point here is to be respectful to those colleagues that are fasting.
14. Can people wear bikinis on the beach during Ramadan?
Public beaches, beach parks and hotel pools will all be open as usual, so people can continue to wear swimwear in these areas.
Do wish your Muslim friends and colleagues ‘Ramadan Kareem’, especially at the beginning of the month. This means ‘wishing you a generous Ramadan’.
Do get into the charitable spirit by donating to Ramadan camps, putting together care packages and getting involved with other campaigns.
Do try and avoid the roads during iftar time. They will be particularly busy as people who are fasting are likely to travel at this time to get home for iftar or to the nearest mosque for prayers.
Do keep in mind that office hours change during Ramadan, which affects traffic patterns. The rush-hour will occur earlier, from 7am to 9am, followed by another one from 1pm to 3pm as people leave work. Peak traffic can also occur from 8pm to midnight as people go home after iftar.
Do show respect to those who are fasting, and check if someone is abstaining before offering food.
Do be mindful and consider whether you have Muslim friends who are fasting on your social media networks before using strong language or sharing images that could be deemed inappropriate.
Do accept food or drink when offered during iftar, as it is a sign of respect and friendliness.
Do take a gift or dates for your host if you are invited by Muslim friends to share an iftar meal.
Do enjoy the community spirit and delicious food at iftars held around the city. These offer a memorable experience and are a great opportunity to meet new people, experience traditional Arabic entertainment and play games, all in a convivial atmosphere.
Don’t eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in public during the Holy Month. If you work in an office, set up a designated, closed-off area for non-Muslims to eat and drink discreetly.
Don’t wear revealing or tight clothes during the month of Ramadan and dress conservatively when in public.
Don’t attempt to speak to or walk in front of somebody while they are praying.
Don’t play loud music, as it may offend those who are fasting. You may, however, listen to music through your headphones in public (including on the Metro and Tram) so long as it is not loud enough to be audible to others.
Don’t sing, dance or be intoxicated in public at any time of the day or night. The majority of nightclubs will close for the duration of Ramadan. Bars, pubs and licensed shops will open at certain times, but will only be allowed to serve drinks a short while after sunset.
Don’t get into debates or arguments, or pick fights – it is the month of peace and serenity. Also avoid swearing in public, which is frowned upon at the best of times, but particularly offensive during Ramadan.
Don’t leave dinner reservations until the last minute. Restaurants across Dubai can become much busier as families meet to break the fast together.
Ramadan events and activities in Dubai and the UAE
Iftar is the time when fasting ends for the day. Maghrib prayers are the prayers held at Iftar time.
Iftar is not the time to have a large feast - traditionally it was a few dates and some water. Later in the evening is when it becomes more festive with larger meals enjoyed amongst friends and family after Magreb prayers (magrib, maghreb, maghrib).
Mosques offer free Iftar meals to the less privileged members of society, whether they are Muslim or not. The meals might be sponsored by charities, companies, or individuals. The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque has one of the largest Iftar gatherings in their carpark.
Many hotels will have special Iftar tents where customers can have a simple or more complex meal - with a range of prices to match.
Ramadan is seen as an opportunity to visit friends and family members, especially those with whom contact has faded.
The rulers in various emirates pardon a number of prison inmates on the first day of Ramadan. Some are also released for the month of Ramadan to spend time with their family.
Most businesses and government offices will close for the day sometime between 1400 and 1600. Iftar is at sunset, around 1730-1900 depending on the time of year. Some government departments will reopen in the evenings for 2-4 hours between 2000 andmidnight.
Business activities tend to slow down during Ramadan. Expect delays with any commercial or bureaucratic activities.
Almost all restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day but many will extend their opening hours at night.
There might be a few eating outlets open during the day for dine-in customers in larger hotels and shopping centers. Some fast food restaurants allow drive-through or take-outs.
Supermarkets are normally open during the day and have extended hours at night - sometimes till midnight or even later.
Shopping centers are open during the day and an extra hour or two at night. Closing times might be as late as midnight or 0100 (1am).
Rules and expectations specific to Dubai and the UAE
It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours (including in your car). Urban legend has it that you end up in jail for the remainder of the month of Ramadan if caught, however it is more likely that you'll get a lecture from the police and possibly a fine. The law says a fine up to 2000 / 2500 dhs or up to 1 or 2 month jail sentence as far as we know.
For example, in September 2008, a Lebanese male resident and Russian female visitor were drinking juice in an EPPCO petrol station in Dubai before Iftar, and fined 1000 dhs each according to an article in the Gulf News. Apparently a witness saw them and reported them to the police, who shipped the couple off to court. It seems a surprisingly harsh outcome, unless there is more to the story than was reported.
Sharjah is likely to have harsher penalties for the same offence.
Khalil Ibrahim Mansouri, Director General of the department of criminal investigation at the Dubai Police, was reported on 20 August 2009 as saying "We call on people to help us by reporting anyone they see breaking the fast", referring to people eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day during Ramadan. The report seemed to think that Mr Mansouri was keen to see residents and visitors chucked in jail - the headline was "People caught eating during Ramadan face jail" and pointed out that 24 people had been jailed in Dubai in the past 3 years for violating the Ramadan fasting period. The original source of the report is unclear.
If you have hungry children, they are permitted to eat during the day but it would be sensible to be discreet about it. If you're desperate for food or drink for them, get a snack at a supermarket or service station, or possibly a restaurant/cafe even if they look closed (knock on the door - there might be someone in the back).
It is respectful and polite to dress more conservatively during Ramadan - shoulders and legs should be covered, although it is apparent when walking around some of the shopping malls in Dubai that many people either don't know or don't bother.
Bars in Dubai are usually still open but patrons might be asked what religion they are and refused entry if they say they are Muslim. Live and loud music is banned, so is dancing, so most nightclubs in Dubai will be closed or very quiet. Bars in Abu Dhabi are probably open in the evenings (they used to be closed but that changed in 2000-and-something). Bars in Ras Al Khaimah usually stay open. Bars in Sharjah don't exist.
Any alcohol related offences will probably be treated much more severely than outside the month of Ramadan - it is quite possible an offender is stuck in prison until the end of Ramadan.
Car stereos should be turned down - loud music, especially rock or similar music, is disrespectful at least, and if police hear it, they'll have something to say about it.
Traffic jam times change - the morning is not much different but afternoons from 1300-1600 is quite busy, and again just before Iftar as many people are trying to get to a desired location for Iftar. Every year there are numerous accidents and requests from police to drive carefully at the time. For an hour or so just after Iftar, and from 1600 to an hour or so before Iftar, the roads are relatively traffic-free.