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Ramadan in Dubai

Dubai during the month of Ramadan seems to be completely different as you will be mesmerized to see the beauty that it holds during the holy month of the year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is when the city shines a spotlight on community and culture. People from various countries visit Dubai during Ramadan to learn more about the Emirati culture.

If you are planning to visit Dubai during Ramadan, you must have a basic understanding of the appropriate behaviour and the spoken and unspoken rules in Dubai. This article will help you to know what you can expect and why you should visit Dubai during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan in Dubai is a must-visit and the reasons will surely surprise you.

Also Read: Ramadan in Dubai – Here’s everything you need to know

Things to do during Ramadan in Dubai

Ramadan is the month of the year when the Muslim community comes together to celebrate focusing on spiritual development and community spirit. The day begins with the pre-dawn meal which is also known as Suhoor, a special time for family members to share a meal before starting their fast.

As the sun sets, families and communities come together to end their day-long fast, this is known as Iftar. They break their fast by serving delightful iftar meals and that’s how Muslim communities around the world celebrate Ramadan.

Ramadan Night Markets

The Ramadan Night Markets will leave you spellbound as you will see the complete city come to life, making the wait worthwhile. Everywhere you will be witnessing colourful stalls, a lively atmosphere, and the aroma of delightful treats that create a vibrant and festive setting.

The Night Markets undoubtedly capture the true spirit and essence of Ramadan, offering a unique experience and making it the perfect time to explore and enjoy the city’s nocturnal charm. Some of the famous Ramadan night markets that you cannot afford to miss during this holy month are:

Hai Ramadan – It is basically a community event where more than 20 food outlets can be seen which will be serving different meals to those breaking the fast. Handmade crafts and traditional garments will be on sale. Both Iftars and Suhoors will be hosted by this community for the whole Ramadan month.

Ramadan Souk – This Ramadan Souk is basically organized by the Dubai Municipality in the historic area of Bur Deira. The market will have live entertainment, activities for children and all the essentials for Ramadan preparations. They will be serving free meals for the whole Ramadan month.

Ramadan district – This is one of the biggest Ramadan markets in Dubai with plenty of snacks and stalls from sunset until dawn. This market will also be seen hosting different activities like board games, interactive games, arts and crafts and even cooking classes to keep people entertained. The market will be open daily during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Canon Firing Tradition

You will be stunned to see that the people of UAE still use canons to signal its iftar time. It’s quite wonderful and amazing to see! This tradition dates back to the 1960s in Dubai when the mosques lacked modern speaker systems. Today, the booming cannons continue to echo, preserving a touch of historical charm in the serene evenings of Ramadan.

On the day of Eid-Al-Fitr, cannons are fired twice to start the celebration and twice more on Eid morning.

Witnessing the Grand Mosque

Make sure you are visiting the Grand Mosque of Dubai during the month of Ramadan. During this month entry to the mosque remains completely free and also the cultural tours are free. The interior of the mosque is a unique mix of traditional Islamic vibes and the modern design makes it kind of magical. 

If you visit the Grand Mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan, you’ll find it a bit crowded but trust me, that’s the best part! The place comes alive with people gathering for prayer sessions, creating a different kind of energy. During the Ramadan month, there will be a split in the timings of the mosque – the first 20 days and the last 10 days.

First 20 days of Ramadan month (11 March to 30 March 2024)

Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM & 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM

Fridays: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM & 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM

Last 10 days of Ramadan month (31 March to 9 April 2024)

Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Fridays 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

The mosque also operates with no revealing clothes will be allowed during this holy month. They also offer free meals to everyone during the Iftars and Suhoors.

Experiencing Keshta

Ramadan in Dubai 2024 will make you step into a world of timeless tradition and style with Keshta – our unique Arabian gathering setup designed to bring the charm of Bedouin hospitality to every occasion. You can even experience Iftar or Suhoor in the middle of the desert.

Keshta isn’t just a simple gathering, it’s a bridge to create unforgettable moments during Ramadan in Dubai. With Keshta, every iftar feels like a feast, suhoor turns into a celebration, and each moment becomes a special memory.

Also Read: Ramadan in Dubai and how it is observed in the UAE.

What to wear during Ramdan in Dubai?

Ramadan in Dubai 2024 will be somewhat different and you will be witnessing more celebration and grandeur. During this holy month, both men and women are requested to dress modestly in public places, especially at religious gatherings and holy places.

Everyone must refrain from wearing revealing and/or tight clothes during the Holy Month. During Ramadan month, the world’s Muslim population will be fasting from sunrise to sunset. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

What can you expect from this Ramadan tour in Dubai?

Visiting Dubai during Ramadan can give you a new experience of gazing at the cityscapes and learning something new about the Arabic culture. There are certain things that you can expect from the Dubai tour during the Ramadan month:

• You will find no entertainment shows during Ramadan month as it is believed to be at peace with each other.
• During the Ramadan month, you can find hotels cheaper than usual days which makes it affordable for the visitors to stay for a long period.
• You will be astonished to find most of the stalls and mosques will be serving free meals to everyone. This is really a worthwhile sight to behold and get a chance to taste the delicious flavors of the Arabians.
• Most shops during this holy month will be opening in the evening time and will also be closed within 4 pm.
• During Ramadan, alcohol is restricted in Dubai except for some places that have a special license to sell alcohol.
• It is also recommended to check the dress code of each location before you visit.

What you should be aware of during Ramadan in Dubai?

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won’t be involved in any drinking or smoking activities. But this is not the case with the non-Muslims or the tourists travelling to Dubai. However, there are a few things to keep in mind during Ramadan if you’re visiting Dubai.

There is no specific rule for Non-muslims during the month of Ramadan. However, out of respect for those fasting, they can try to avoid drinking and smoking in public places or restaurants. 

Visitors should also expect the pace of life in Dubai to change. During the Holy Month, the timing of most businesses will change just to accommodate more time for family and prayers. So you should check opening hours, and try to avoid meetings during the late afternoon. Ramadan is when the entire Muslim community comes together to better themselves. 

To experience various activities during Ramadan month please visit: City Laila.