Dubai has always been known for its rich heritage and traditions that have adapted and flourished alongside its ever-changing social culture. Among these cherished customs is the Holy Month of Ramadan, which holds significant importance for Muslims.
Ramadan is the holy month of the Islamic calendar and falls every year for 30 days, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. If you plan on visiting Dubai during Ramadan, there are a few things you should be aware of.
When is Ramadan observed?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and Muslims worldwide observe it as a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and fasting from sunrise to sunset. During Ramadan, Muslims gather with family and friends, break their fast, and engage in acts of charity and giving to those in need. This year, Ramadan is set to start on the 23rd of March 2023 and concludes on either the 22nd or 23rd of April 2023, as an Islamic month lasts for either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Suhoor & Iftar in Dubai
There are two primary meals during Ramadan. Suhoor is the meal eaten at Dawn to start the fast & Iftar is the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast. These meals are a grand affair; every restaurant in the city goes above and beyond to create an extraordinary dining experience for its customers.
If you are looking for a unique dining experience in Dubai, there is something for everyone, from high-end luxury Iftar and Suhoor options to traditional markets serving different cuisines.
Following are a few of Dubai's most well-liked Ramadan tents:
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Asateer Ramadan Tent at Atlantis The Palm Dubai. They offer a lavish Iftar and Suhoor experience with live entertainment, traditional music, and delicious dishes.
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Bedouin Iftar Experience at Bab Al Shams Resort. This experience takes place in the heart of the desert and offers a unique dining experience with traditional Arabic cuisine and cultural performances.
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Al Majlis at Madinat Jumeirah is another popular choice, offering guests an authentic Arabian hospitality experience with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab.
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Iftar at Dubai Opera. They offer a luxurious Iftar experience with various food options and live entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Dubai Opera building.
During Ramadan in Dubai, there are still plenty of things to do; most attractions, such as theme parks, water parks, and popular sites like the Dubai Frame, At The Top Burj Khalifa, and Global Village, remain open as usual. However, there may be slight changes in timings to accommodate those fasting, but tourists and residents can still enjoy these attractions. During Ramadan, entertainment involving music, dancing, and performances is restricted. Ramadan introduces a range of new things to do, such as night markets, festive stalls, Ramadan tents, spiritual experiences, and much more.
If you are new to Dubai, here are a few unique things to do during Ramadan in Dubai:
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Explore the bustling Ramadan markets throughout the city, which offer an insight into the history and culture of the country. The Ramadan Night Market provides a glimpse into the UAE's distinct heritage and culture. The market will be open daily from 5 P.M. to 2 A.M., featuring multicultural retailers worldwide. Most of these markets are free for both tourists and residents.Some of Dubai's most popular Ramadan markets include:
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The Ramadan Night Market at the Dubai World Trade Center.
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The Al Seef Night Market
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The Expo City Ramadan Night Market
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The Bluewaters Island Night Market
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The Mall of The Emirates Ramadan Night Market.
During Ramadan, the city offers some of the best shopping deals and offers. Visitors can take advantage of special Ramadan and Eid deals across the city and shop to their heart's content in their favourite malls and markets.
Witness the famous Ramadan Canons, fired in various locations throughout the UAE, to announce the sunset prayer and the time to break the fast. The Ramadan Canons is a fun experience to watch as members of the police and law enforcement line up and follow a professional procedure to fire the canons.
You can find the Ramadan Canons in the following:
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Downtown
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Expo City
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Al Seef
In conclusion, visiting Dubai during Ramadan is a grand time! You'll have cultural Suhoor and Iftar meals, explore the lively night markets and get great shopping deals. While some entertainment options are limited, the city's rich culture and traditions are worth experiencing. Not to mention the Ramadan Canons, which are a lot of fun to watch. So, if you're looking for a fun and flavorful adventure, Ramadan in Dubai is the place to be.
For more information, call us on 04 876 2333.
