Ramadan in Dubai: 9 Essential Things to Know About Ramadan for Tourists and Expats
You may have heard of lots strict rules that stop you from traveling to Dubai during Ramadan. However, while it is important to show respect to the Arabic cultures, there are some restrictions that have been lifted for non-Muslims in Dubai. This article addresses 9 things you need to know about visiting Dubai during Ramadan, including things you can and can not do during Ramadan in Dubai.
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List of Contents
- What is Ramadan?
- When does Ramadan start and end in Dubai?
- Can I still go to the beach and beach club during Ramadan in Dubai?
- Can non-muslims eat or drink water during the day in Dubai during Ramadan?
- Are restaurants, cafes, and bars open during the day in Dubai during Ramadan?
- Can I still find alcohol during Ramadan in Dubai?
- Do businesses operate normally during Ramadan in Dubai?
- What are the activities and unique things to do during Ramadan in Dubai?
- What else should I and shouldn’t do during Ramadan in Dubai as a non-muslim?
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar, and Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset, serving as a means to cleanse both the body and mind, drawing them closer to God, and developing compassion towards the people in need as well as to cultivate patience and break harmful habits.
When does Ramadan start and end in Dubai?
The dates of Ramadan, Eid Al-Adha, and Eid Al-Fitr vary every year in the Islamic calendar, as the beginning of each month is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon
I find it fascinating when I asked my Arabic colleague about the start and end of Ramadan’s fasting period, he explained that it depends on the moon sighting. It starts and ends when they see the new crescent moon. So If the crescent moon is seen on the evening of the 29th day of the Islamic calendar, then Ramadan will last 29 days that year; otherwise, it will last 30 days, with Eid al-Fitr, the Feast of Breaking the Fast, occurring on the next day.
As a result, officials in countries can only predict the dates of festivals, events, and holidays in advance, and the actual dates are only confirmed when people see the crescent moon on those days. Also for our social media posts that are related to the festivals, we need to hold it until the actual day when the official sees the moon.
Can I still go to the beach and beach club during Ramadan in Dubai?
I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to go to the beach or beach clubs and enjoy outdoor dining and activities during Ramadan in Dubai since I heard so many rules from people before I personally experienced the time of Ramadan in 2022.
However, in Dubai, the rules have become less strict, which means that most beach clubs, restaurants, and bars are still operating during Ramadan. Outdoor seating is also available, you can still go for a swim or sunbathe during Ramadan in Dubai.
If you are looking for beaches and beach clubs to enjoy in Dubai, here are some of my favourite beach and aesthetic beach clubs in Dubai.
Can non-muslims eat or drink water during the day in Dubai during Ramadan?
As Dubai is a significant international hub with a large number of tourists and expats, it has lifted the restrictions for non-Muslims during Ramadan. For non-Muslims in Dubai, there are still many places where they can eat and drink water outside, mainly in touristic areas and designated restaurants, hotels. However, it’s crucial to be mindful and respectful of those who are fasting during the daytime. Hence, we should dress modestly, and avoid smoking, eating, drinking in public during Ramadan while Muslims people are fasting.
One noteworthy thing is that outside of Dubai, there can be even more strict rules regarding eating, drinking and smoking in public, which may be strictly enforced. So, it’s important to be careful and mindful of these rules when in the UAE.
Are restaurants, cafes, and bars open during the day in Dubai during Ramadan?
During Ramadan in Dubai, it is very likely that local restaurants and cafes change their opening hours and only operate from after sunset to around 1 am. And some bars might be closed during the month.
However, there are still many bars, restaurants, cafes that operate normally for international visitors and non-Muslims. Those are usually at the touristic areas, international hotels, and malls in Dubai. And it can be a great month having lunch at some famous restaurants that usually have long queues.
I would recommend checking with the businesses beforehand, as many of them may have different operating hours during Ramadan. You can often find updated information on their social media or Google Maps listings. If you have any doubts, you can message them through social media or find their contact number on Google Maps to confirm their opening times and menu options.
Can I still find alcohol during Ramadan in Dubai?
Usually in Dubai during Ramadan, the licensed bars and hotels do still provide alcohol as normal. But some might change. I suggest you check with them before you visit.
Do businesses operate normally during Ramadan in Dubai?
During the Holy Month, many businesses and offices reduce their working hours for Muslims to spend more time with their families and adjust to the fasting lifestyle. This usually applies to all employees, including non-Muslims.
For example, our working hours in April after Expo 2020 Dubai closed its door to the world, everyone in the office and on site finished work by 4 pm, which means that the working hours were reduced by 2 hours.
So, if you are planning to visit Dubai, UAE for a business trip or need to do any paperwork during your stay, it’s important to confirm the daily opening hours with the relevant businesses.
What are the activities and unique things to do during Ramadan in Dubai?
Ramadan in Dubai is a wonderful time to experience the festive Arabic atmosphere in the city. The beautiful lights and decorations with Ramadan elements create a unique and special ambiance that I personally love.
You can also get special set menus and discounts offered by restaurants and cafes during Ramadan, commonly known as “Iftar deals.” which are tailored for muslims people to enjoy the great meals after finishing their fast of the day. But even non-Muslims can also have the deals.
What else should I and shouldn’t do during Ramadan in Dubai as a non-muslim?
I am sure we all understand how tough it is for us to go without food and drink the whole day, especially in hot weather, it would be nice if we can be kind, patient, and considerate towards those who are fasting. We should respect them, their culture and avoid criticising the Islamic faith.
Also, Ramadan is the month of kindness and doing charity. In this month, many muslims people are offering free food for people in need, and being extra kind and generous. Remember when we went to Al Marjan Island in RAK, and found an amazing food truck called Origins, we ordered kabab as snack, and at first we thought we didn’t have cash, and wanted to pay by card, but the owner was like, “oh no it’s ok, it’s for free, it’s Ramadan!” Later we found cash, and gave it to him, he accepted. But instead of giving us one meal that we ordered, he gave us 2, and said “Ramadan Kareem”.
In conclusion, visiting Dubai during Ramadan in my opinion is not much different from visiting during normal times. You just have to be extra respectful of their culture and people, and be more considerate as you may encounter many muslim people during the day while they are fasting. Overall it is a great time going to Dubai, UAE and having a deeper cultural experience.
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