Q&A Information for Non-Muslims Guests throughout Ramadan
One of many huge areas of concern for non-Muslim guests to the UAE is the best way to behave through the Holy Month of Ramadan.
While the fundamental cultural behaviours for coming into a Muslim nation will be simple to know, there are just a few further steps that guests have to take throughout Ramadan to make sure they’re being respectful.
What’s Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the lunar calendar. Following the Hijri calendar, the beginning date of Ramadan is roughly 10 days earlier annually on the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, Ramadan 1444 will fall over March/April, the precise begin date is confirmed by the moon sighting committee.
The moon sighting committee within the UAE will meet round 20/21 March 2023 to substantiate the precise begin date, anticipated to be the evning of twenty-two March 2023.
One of many 5 Pillars of Worship of Islam – Saum – is fasting throughout this holy month. Muslims should abstain from consuming and ingesting (amongst different issues) between dawn and sundown to show themselves self-awareness, endurance, and tolerance. It’s stated the soul is purified of evil affect, and an individual’s religion in Allah turns into stronger.
In case you are visiting in future years, it is a good supply for locating out when Islamic holidays will fall:
What do non-Muslim vacationers & residents want to watch throughout Ramadan in Dubai?
Non-Muslim expat residents and guests are chargeable for ensuring there’s a appropriate setting for Muslims to watch Ramadan. Though you aren’t anticipated to hitch in with the fasting, you have to present respect to those that are by means of your conduct.
Consuming, ingesting and smoking in public by adults throughout Ramadan is prohibited.
HOWEVER, opposite to legal guidelines that carry fines of as much as 2000 AED for consuming in public throughout Ramadan, common observe in Dubai has considerably modified during the last three years. Consuming institutions beforehand wanted licenses to function throughout daytime of Ramadan, and blacked-out home windows.
Dubai Division of Financial Growth (Dubai Economic system) issued a round on 11 April 2021 stating that eating places within the emirate is not going to should display seen eating areas throughout fasting hours within the Holy Month of Ramadan 1442. This was the case once more in 2022, and we consider going ahead, there will probably be no extra screens or sectioning off of eating areas.
Undoubtedly, you might be nonetheless capable of acquire foods and drinks in accommodations and purchasing malls now throughout Ramadan. Strolling round consuming and ingesting in public is most positively socially unacceptable, if not nonetheless unlawful.
Within the privateness of your individual dwelling or resort room, you are able to do as you please.
What about youngsters throughout Ramadan in Dubai?
Youthful youngsters, particularly these underneath six years outdated, aren’t anticipated to take part in fasting Muslim and Non-Muslim. Pre-pubescent youngsters between seven and 12 years outdated could begin to observe fasting for brief durations at a time. On reaching puberty, participation by all Muslims (some exceptions talked about beneath) is required.
Colleges in Dubai will begin later and end earlier throughout Ramadan. Opening hours will probably be suggested by particular person faculties however are usually restricted to a most of 5-6 hours a day and extra-curricular actions are canceled.
For youthful youngsters who attend nursery or playgroups, you must see no change, although hours could also be diminished. You must freely be capable of feed a toddler or younger youngster when they’re hungry and costume them as acceptable for the climate.
Exceptions to fasting
There are lots of circumstances underneath which a Muslim will be exempted from fasting, together with if you’re pregnant, diabetic, breastfeeding, menstruating, sick, or of outdated age. The fundamental premise is that you shouldn’t take part if it’s detrimental to your well being.
For a non-Muslim who’s pregnant or breastfeeding, you must nonetheless keep away from brazenly consuming or ingesting in public, likewise for kids between six and 12 years. It might be allowed, however even Muslims will do that in a discreet and personal approach.
In case you are travelling by means of one of many nation’s main worldwide airports, you will note full meals providers working as travellers are exempt from fasting (Muslims will make up any fasting days whereas travelling on a later date).
Breaking of the quick – Iftar in Dubai
The quick is damaged at maghrib (the sundown prayer time) by the firing of a cannon. That is adopted by the sound of azan echoing from the loudspeaker of a mosque.
This has been a convention in Dubai because the Sixties. In Dubai, 5 cannons are fired at: Burj Park, Eid prayer grounds in Al Mankhool and Al Baraha, Madinat Jumeirah, and Dubai Metropolis Stroll.
New in 2023! Expo Metropolis Dubai will even be launching the enduring Iftar Cannon with Dubai Police, happening nightly.
Expertise the magic of Ramadan at Expo Metropolis Dubai! 🌙 Be part of us as we host the enduring Iftar Cannon with @DubaiPoliceHQ . Don’t miss the prospect to attend the cannon launch ceremony in Hai Ramadan!#ExpoCityDubai #HaiRamadan pic.twitter.com/ANKgoK4mjS
— ExpoCityDubai (@ExpoCityDubai) March 13, 2023
A fantastic aspect journey you may take is to see the nightly cannon firing on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi – extra beneath!
Iftar is actually the breaking of the quick, the meal taken instantly after sundown. This can be a time for households to return collectively and eat a meal. Often, a fast snack of water and dates is taken earlier than prayers, adopted by a big meal.
Most of the accommodations in Dubai will put collectively big buffet extravaganzas and Ramadan eating tents. These had been cancelled and diminished throughout 2020/21, however we noticed a full return to Ramadan hospitality in 2022. It’s an extremely distinctive expertise to hitch in with Iftar celebrations.
You’ll discover our information to the very best Iftars in Dubai right here
A novel expertise for vacationers to hitch is the Ramadan Iftar Program, run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, within the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood. Be part of your native hosts for Arabic Espresso and dates, get pleasure from Iftar, then go to the Diwan Mosque.
When is Iftar in Dubai?
Iftar timing varies by metropolis because it happens at sundown for that precise location. While the cannon is taken into account the official time, you may estimate the seemingly time based mostly on when is Maghrib. (NB Dubai is at all times a couple of minutes sooner than Abu Dhabi as it’s additional to the east).
Suhoor in Dubai
Because the quick begins once more at dawn, Suhoor is the meal taken instantly earlier than dawn. Once more, many accommodations will present suhoor on a grand scale, some beginning suhoor providing from as quickly as iftar is cleared and lasting all through the evening.
You’ll discover Dubai can turn into an all-night tradition throughout Ramadan!
Discover our number of the very best Dubai suhoor spreads to do that 12 months
Laylatul Qadr
(Additionally knowns as Lailat al Qadr) is the Night time of Energy, when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Allah.
The precise date is debated, however it’s believed to be an odd date within the final 10 days of Ramadan. For a lot of, prayers intensify within the closing 10 days. 27 Ramadan is mostly agreed because the evening of statement; in 2023, this will probably be 18 April. It’s not a public vacation within the UAE however one thing for vacationers to be aware of because it’s thought of the Holiest of nights.
Different issues to be aware of throughout Ramadan in Dubai
Ramadan is just not solely about meals, for Muslims, however additionally it is about abstention – together with tobacco, intercourse, music – and tolerance.
- Applicable costume requirements should be noticed in public (far more stringently enforced than ordinary). All grown-ups (together with teenagers) needs to be dressed conservatively and look to have legs and arms lined in public – and definitely keep away from cleavage and tight clothes. This stated, simply as eating guidelines have relaxed in recent times, it appears so have clothes guidelines – don’t be THAT vacationer!
- Maintain hearth on any public shows of affection, keep away from kissing, and even hand-holding between grown-ups (together with your youngster is okay).
- In that hour or so earlier than sundown and Iftar, the endurance of many is strongly examined and you might expertise some erratic driving. Greatest to keep away from the roads, and if going on your night meal, be aware of letting others who would possibly want it extra go earlier than you.
- It’s a time for peace and giving, so attempt to keep away from shouting and anger, and particularly no impolite phrases or gestures.
- Most workplaces will modify working hours all through the Holy Month to accommodate the wants of these fasting (UAE Authorities staff could do business from home for the primary time on Fridays solely in 2023 – this might have an effect on providers).
- You may additionally discover retailers have very totally different opening occasions, with many closed all day and open by means of a lot of the evening. Main supermarkets and Malls may even be open 24 hours a day! You shouldn’t have any drawback discovering an open grocery store all through the day for groceries; you clearly simply can’t eat something till you get dwelling.
- Mosques which can be open all through a lot of the 12 months for guided excursions to non-Muslims could regulate or pause their packages through the Holy Month.
- Many vacationer points of interest will regulate their hours too, at all times test on web sites/Fb pages for enterprise opening hours right now of 12 months.
- Sights akin to desert safaris will proceed to function, however the leisure aspect of their program could also be paused over Ramadan.
Ramadan Timings in Dubai
Generally key points of interest change their opening hours through the Holy Month. We’re presently conscious of those Ramadan hours in 2022 (TBC for 2023).
Transport Throughout Ramadan in Dubai
Attraction Timings throughout Ramadan in Dubai
- Dubai Mall Retailers are open Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to Midnight; Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM – meals institutions will keep open till 2:00 AM
- World Village has prolonged their season and can keep open evenings from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, till 7 Could 2022
- Dubai Body 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Museum of the Future 10:00 AM to six:00 PM
- Quranic Park 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Cave of Miracles and Glass Home shut 7:00 PM) TBC 2022
- Ain Dubai Quickly closed till after Ramadan
- Aquaventure 10:00 AM to six:00 PM
- Dubai Parks & Resorts Varies by the park – Legoland opens from 10:00 AM, Motiongate opens at 1:00 PM and Bollywood from 3:00 PM
- Dubai Safari Park Day session 10:00 AM to six:00 PM, Night time session 6:00 PM to Midnight
Visiting the Grand Mosque throughout Ramadan
In case you had been planning a go to to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi as a day journey from Dubai, the excellent news is that the Grand Mosque will stay open each day all through Ramadan for non-Muslim guests. There will probably be a 3.5-hour window within the night it’s closed whereas Iftar is noticed.
We have now a whole information over right here on our Abu Dhabi associate web site on the best way to go to the Grand Mosque throughout Ramadan.
Eid defined
To forestall any confusion, there are two Eid celebrations!
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-fitr is the pageant of the breaking of the quick, occurring instantly after Ramadan.
It’s a time of festivities and daytime feasts for Muslim households, additionally when folks will costume of their new Eid garments, women can have their hair and henna completed and gift-giving happens amongst different celebrations.
It’s a very busy time in Dubai and in addition a public vacation – often three days however for Authorities departments, this can be prolonged to per week.
Eid al-Fitr in 2023 will probably be introduced in the direction of the tip of Ramadan, you must count on it to fall round 22 to 24 April 2023.
These are often declared after the official begin of Ramadan, though Eid itself continues to be topic to moon sighting. The primary sighting of the crescent moon marks 1 Shawwal.
Charity or Zakat – one other of the 5 Pillars of Islam – is taken into account essential throughout Eid celebrations, giving and thoughtfulness to these much less lucky. You may even see quite a few white tents popping up throughout city even earlier than Ramadan begins, these are for making donations to the needy – it may be a great way to get your youngsters concerned in Ramadan and perceive the significance of giving.
Eid al-Adha
“The pageant of the sacrifice” happens roughly 70 days after the tip of Ramadan. Arafat Day falls first, on the second day of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca – the ninth Day of Dhu Al Hijja on the Hijri calendar.
That is instantly adopted by Eid al-Adha. Animals akin to sheep or goats are sacrificed and custom dictates a 3rd is eaten by the household, a 3rd is given to family and buddies and a 3rd is given to the needy.
That is one other three to four-day public vacation although will be prolonged to per week additionally for Authorities departments and faculties (at all times introduced final minute)
Arafat day in Dubai is because of happen on 27 June 2023 and Eid al-Adha 28 June to 1 July 2023, topic to moonsighting
Ought to I Go to Dubai throughout Ramadan?
Many guests unfamiliar with Islamic tradition are understandably nervous after they work out they are going to be visiting the town throughout Ramadan. Is there something you actually ought to fear about?
We’ll take you thru a few of the questions we have now acquired through the years to place your thoughts relaxed:
Sure and No! As we defined above you shouldn’t eat in public or in entrance of those that are fasting out of respect.
The guidelines round this are altering, whereby extra cafes and eating places ARE open in Dubai throughout Ramadan, however it’s nonetheless respectful to stay discreet. Actually, no daytime consuming strolling alongside the road or in a automotive.
It’s true that Muslims chorus from even ingesting water; nonetheless, as a vacationer, you are able to do so discreetly. You’ll be able to drink with a meal in a chosen restaurant, or through the day nipping into a toilet or anyplace not within the public eye you may steal a sip.
Inside the confines of a resort, it’s now permissible to drink poolside, simply use your discretion within the firm of others who could also be fasting.
There’s a barely larger customary of costume anticipated of vacationers throughout Ramadan. While we discuss shorts and t-shirts being superb for a lot of the 12 months in our costume code recommendation right here, throughout Ramadan further effort to cowl shoulders and knees needs to be made.
In case you are staying at a Dubai resort, you’ll have no challenge carrying your swimwear within the acceptable components of the resort as you’ll year-round.
Sure, non-Muslims are very welcome to attend an Iftar and benefit from the expertise. You must costume respectfully for the event and be aware to let those that have been fasting all day go first.
You’ll be able to have Iftar anyplace in Dubai however when you’d like to grasp extra concerning the event, we strongly suggest you e-book and pay for a night with SMCCU.
One other space that has advanced through the years. Non-Muslim vacationers are allowed to drink in Dubai as we focus on right here. Nevertheless, it may be slightly totally different throughout Ramadan. Alcohol is unlikely to be served anyplace through the day (however bottle retailers could also be open, simply with totally different hours), with service beginning in bars after Iftar.
Most eating places and definitely Ramadan tents will NOT serve alcohol with Iftar, however it’s variable. In the event that they promote “hops & grapes” or comparable wording, then it means alcohol IS included.
Travelling by means of the airport, alcohol used to NOT be served through the day in DXB, however we discovered it WAS allowed in 2021. We consider it is a everlasting rule change now as we witnessed in 2022.
Opposite to in style perception, most points of interest in Dubai WILL stay open all through Ramadan, particularly these catering to vacationers together with the theme parks, Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and museums.
There could also be variations in these opening hours although (many extending till a lot later into the night), and it may be quieter than different occasions of the 12 months which might definitely work to your benefit (given dates fall over the Northern Hemisphere spring break, that is now not more likely to be the case).
“Ramadan Kareem” is the well mannered greeting to make use of, and through Eid, “Eid Mubarak”.
Throughout Ramadan, you might discover cheaper flight and lodging packages than different occasions of the 12 months. Though now that Ramadan is in March/April and the height tourism season for the UAE, that is now not the case!
You’ll seemingly now discover higher offers to return to the UAE AFTER Ramadan and Eid when it’s beginning to get scorching in late Could/June.
It is usually an extremely joyful time of 12 months. Town comes alive within the evenings and it actually is a time of happiness and celebration for Muslims. For sure, today it’s not an obstacle to go to Dubai throughout Ramadan, in truth, it may be one of many best occasions for a cultural and beachy vacation multi functional.
The 2 vital non secular events will overlap in dates over the subsequent few days as we clarify over right here in our Easter information to Dubai.
This is not going to stop Christians from observing the event, and actually, we’re suggested Easter brunches will go forward in April 2023. Extra particulars to observe,
Last Ideas on Ramadan in Dubai
Keep in mind to park any opinions you’ll have about whether or not it’s “proper” or “wholesome” or another beliefs opposite to the Pillars of Islam; whether or not you’re a customer or an expatriate resident, you’re a visitor within the nation and these are the foundations that should be noticed.
Extra cultural experiences in Dubai and continuously requested vacationer questions:
- The best way to go to a Dubai Mosque – which of them are open to the general public and how one can achieve a larger understanding of Islamic tradition while you go to Dubai
- Take a day journey to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi – taking a non-public tour or self-driving you can get pleasure from one of many nation’s most vital non secular buildings throughout an important non secular month for a really particular UAE expertise.
You’ll be able to study extra about the very best time to go to Dubai, and what to anticipate through the totally different occasions of 12 months right here.
Earlier than you go… Extra vital issues you must know when planning a visit to Dubai
- Don’t overlook to pack your journey insurance coverage!!!
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