Are you enthusiastic travelers and like to learn about the customs and traditions of the places you visit? Don't miss the unique opportunity to experience the biggest Muslim holiday and one of the most magical periods of the year in Dubai and throughout the United Arab Emirates.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Its beginning occurs in relation to the Christian calendar always 10 days earlier than the previous year. Muslims are required to fast for 30 days, always from sunrise to sunset. A Muslim should refrain from food, drink, smoking and other physical pleasures during the day. Through fasting, a Muslim should strengthen both the physical and mental side, strong will, discipline and thus get closer to God Allah. Moral values, expressions of solidarity with the poor and doing good deeds are emphasized.
The end of fasting is announced every day by a call from the mosque at sunset. Cities come alive with unprecedented celebration activity, which begins with a rich pre-evening meal "SUHOOR" and the main evening meal "IFTAR". Ramadan is not only a month of self-denial, but also of joy, which culminates in the last days of fasting with the great holiday "EID AL FITR".
Will Ramadan affect you during your holiday?
The United Arab Emirates is a modern and extremely cosmopolitan country and therefore tourists are welcome with open arms even during Ramadan. However, during your stay you should follow certain advice and recommendations. Hotel guests are not expected to observe fasting, but everyone appreciates if you show respect to the locals and avoid consuming food, drink and smoking in public during the day, which means outside hotels. Hotels have created all conditions so that you can perform the mentioned activities without restrictions, resp. in seclusion. Especially beach resorts operate in free mode and therefore Ramadan should not affect your holiday experience in the Emirates in any way. In general:
- alcohol is served in hotels and bars after sunset (around 19:00)
- some a la carte restaurants may operate in limited capacity
- nightclubs and clubs are closed during Ramadan
Advantages of staying during Ramadan
Accommodation Cost
The period during Ramadan is among the cheapest in the year. For relatively low prices, you can enjoy luxury that would otherwise be beyond your budget.
Amount of Shopping
Especially the emirate of Dubai is known for Ramadan shopping activities in large and small shopping centers. From your holiday in the Emirates, you return enriched with favorite pieces of clothing for a fraction of the usual price.
No Waiting
Cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi are usually crowded during the day. You almost never wait for attractions like aquaparks or monuments. Locals before sunset almost never meet.
Atmosphere
After sunset, the true night life begins. Restaurants in the city buzz in the evening and shopping centers are open until late. A great experience is the evening meal IFTAR accompanied by the magic of light and lamp shows in one of the many thematic stages. We recommend booking in advance, with which we will be happy to help you.
