Q&A Guide for Non-Muslims Visitors during Ramadan
One of the big areas of concern for non-Muslim visitors to the UAE is how to behave during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Whilst the basic cultural behaviours for entering a Muslim country can be easy to grasp, there are a few extra steps that visitors need to take during Ramadan to ensure they are being respectful.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the lunar calendar. Following the Hijri calendar, the start date of Ramadan is approximately 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. In 2021, Ramadan 1442 will fall over April/May, the exact start date is confirmed by the moon sighting committee.
It has been confirmed on 11 April 2021 Ramadan will commence from sunset 12 April 2021 to 11 May 2021 (subject to moon sighting)
One of the Five Pillars of Worship of Islam – Saum – is fasting during this holy month. Muslims must abstain from eating and drinking (among other things) between sunrise and sunset to teach themselves self-awareness, patience and tolerance. It is said the soul is purified of evil influence and a person’s faith in Allah becomes stronger.
If you are visiting in future years, this is a good source for finding when Islamic holidays will fall:
What do non-Muslims tourists & residents need to observe during Ramadan in Dubai?
Non-Muslim expat residents and visitors are responsible for making sure there is a suitable environment for Muslims to observe Ramadan. Although you are not expected to join in with the fasting, you must show respect to those who are through your conduct.
Eating, drinking and smoking in public by adults during Ramadan is prohibited.
HOWEVER, contrary to laws that carry fines of up to 2000 AED for eating in public during Ramadan, general practice in Dubai has significantly changed over the last two years. Eating establishments previously needed licenses to operate during daylight hours of Ramadan, and blacked-out windows.
Dubai Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy) issued a circular on 11 April 2021 stating that restaurants in the emirate will not have to screen visible dining areas during fasting hours in the Holy Month of Ramadan 1442.
Undoubtedly, you are still able to obtain food and drink in hotels and shopping malls now during Ramadan. Walking around eating and drinking in public is most definitely socially unacceptable, if not still illegal.
In the privacy of your own home or hotel room, you can do as you please.
What about children during Ramadan in Dubai?
Younger children, especially those under six years old are not expected to participate in fasting Muslim and Non-Muslim. Pre-pubescent children between seven and 12 years old may start to observe fasting for short periods at a time. On reaching puberty participation by all Muslims (some exceptions mentioned below) is required.
Schools in Dubai will start later and finish earlier during Ramadan. Opening hours will be advised by individual schools but are normally restricted to a maximum of 6 hour days.
For younger children who attend nursery or playgroups, you should see no change, though hours may be reduced. You should freely be able to feed a young child when they are hungry and dress them as appropriate for the weather.
Exceptions to fasting
There are many circumstances under which a Muslim can be exempted from fasting, including if you are pregnant, diabetic, breastfeeding, menstruating, sick or of old age. the basic premise is you should not participate if it’s detrimental to your health.
For a non-Muslim who is pregnant or breastfeeding, you should still avoid eating or drinking in public, likewise for children between six and 12 years, it may be allowed but even Muslims will do this in a discreet and private way so as not to offend others.
If you are travelling through one of the country’s major international airports, you will see full food services operating as travellers are exempt from fasting (Muslims will make up any fasting days while travelling on a later date).
Breaking of the fast – Iftar in Dubai
The fast is broken at maghrib (the sunset prayer time) by the firing of a cannon. This is followed by the sound of azan echoing from the loud-speaker of a mosque.
This has been a tradition in Dubai since the 1960s. In Dubai, five cannons are fired at: Burj Park, Eid prayer grounds in Al Mankhool and Al Baraha, Madinat Jumeirah and at Dubai City Walk.
A great side trip you can take is to see the nightly cannon firing at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Iftar is literally the breaking of the fast, the meal taken immediately after sunset. This is a time for families to come together and eat a meal. Usually, an immediate snack of water and dates is taken before prayers, followed by a large meal.
Many of the hotels in Dubai will put together huge buffet extravaganzas and Ramadan dining tents. it is an incredibly unique experience to join in with Iftar celebrations.
When is Iftar in Dubai?
Iftar timing varies by city as it occurs at sunset for that exact location. Whilst the cannon is considered the official time, you can estimate the likely time based on when is Maghrib. (NB Dubai is always a few minutes earlier than Abu Dhabi as it is further to the east).
Due to COVID-19 safety measures, permission will not be granted this year for private Iftar tents and group gatherings should be limited to first-degree family members.
Suhoor in Dubai
As the fast begins again at sunrise, Suhoor is the meal taken immediately before sunrise. Again, many hotels will provide suhoor on a grand scale, some starting suhoor offering from as soon as iftar is cleared and lasting throughout the night.
You will notice Dubai can become an all-night culture during Ramadan.
Other things to be mindful of during Ramadan in Dubai
Ramadan is not only about food, for Muslims, but it is also about abstention – including tobacco, sex, music – and tolerance.
- Appropriate dress standard must be observed in public (much more stringently enforced than usual). All grown-ups (including teens) should be dressed conservatively and look to have arms and legs covered in public – and certainly avoid cleavage and tight clothing. This said, just as dining rules have relaxed in recent years, it seems so have clothing rules.
- Hold fire on any public displays of affection, avoid kissing, even hand-holding between grown-ups (with your child is fine).
- In that hour or so before sunset and Iftar, the patience of many is strongly tested and you may experience some erratic driving. Best to steer clear of the roads, and if going for your evening meal, be mindful of letting others who might need it more go before you.
- It is a time for peace and giving, so try to avoid shouting and anger, and especially no rude words or gestures.
- Most workplaces will modify working hours throughout the Holy Month to accommodate the needs of those fasting.
- You may also find shops have very different opening times, with many closed all day and open through most of the night. Major supermarkets and Malls can even be open 24 hours a day! You should have no problem finding an open supermarket throughout the day for groceries; you obviously just cannot consume anything until you get home.
- Mosques that are open throughout most of the year for guided tours to non-Muslims will close their doors or adjust programs during the Holy Month.
- Many tourist attractions will adjust their hours too, always check on websites/Facebook pages for business opening hours at this time of year.
Attraction opening hours in Dubai this year during Ramadan
- Global Village has extended their season and will stay open evenings through until 2 May 2021
- Dubai Frame 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Quranic Park 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Cave of Miracles and Glass House close 7:00 PM)
- Aquaventure 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Sundays)
Eid explained
To prevent any confusion there are two Eid celebrations!
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-fitr is the festival of the breaking of the fast, occurring immediately after Ramadan. It is a time of festivities and daytime feasts for Muslim families, also when people will dress in their new Eid clothes, ladies will have their hair and henna done and gift-giving occurs among other celebrations.
It is a very busy time in Dubai and also a public holiday – usually three days but for Government departments, this may be extended to a week.
Eid al-Fitr is likely to commence on 12 May 2021
Charity or Zakat – another of the Five Pillars of Islam – is considered very important during Eid celebrations, giving and thoughtfulness to those less fortunate. You may see a number of white tents popping up all over town even before Ramadan starts, these are for making donations to the needy – it can be a good way to get your children involved in Ramadan and understand the importance of giving.
Eid al-Adha
“The festival of the sacrifice” occurs approximately 70 days after the end of Ramadan. Arafat Day falls first, on the second day of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca – the 9th Day of Dhu Al Hijja on the Hijri calendar.
This is immediately followed by Eid al-Adha. Animals such as sheep or goats are sacrificed and tradition dictates a third is eaten by the family, a third given to relatives and friends and a third given to the needy.
This is another three to four-day public holiday though can be extended to a week also for Government departments and schools (always announced very last minute)
Should I visit Dubai during Ramadan?
Many visitors unfamiliar with Islamic culture are understandably nervous when they work out they will be visiting the city during Ramadan. Is there anything you really should worry about?
We’ll take you through some of the questions we have received over the years to put your mind at ease:
Can I eat as a non-Muslim during Ramadan?
Yes and No! As we explained above you should not eat in public or in front of those who are fasting out of respect.
The rules around this are changing, whereby more cafes and restaurants ARE open in Dubai during Ramadan, but it is still respectful to remain discreet. Certainly, no day time eating walking along the street or in a car.
Can I not even drink water during Ramadan in Dubai?
It is true that Muslims refrain from even drinking water, however, as a tourist, you can do so discreetly. You can drink with a meal in a designated restaurant, or during the day nipping into a bathroom or anywhere not in the public eye you can steal a sip. Within the confines of a resort, it is now permissible to drink poolside.
What should I wear in Dubai during Ramadan?
There is a slightly higher standard of dress expected of tourists during Ramadan. Whilst we talk about shorts and t-shirts being fine for most of the year in our dress code advice here, during Ramadan extra effort to cover shoulders and knees should be made.
If you are staying at a Dubai resort, you will have no issue wearing your swimwear in the appropriate parts of the hotel as you would year-round.
Can a non-Muslim attend Iftar?
Yes, non-Muslims are very welcome to attend an Iftar and enjoy the experience. You should dress respectfully for the occasion, and be mindful to let those who been fasting all day go first.
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Can tourists drink alcohol during Ramadan in Dubai?
Another area that has evolved over the years. Non-Muslim tourists are allowed to drink in Dubai as we discuss here, however, it can be a little different during Ramadan. Alcohol is unlikely to be served anywhere during the day (but bottle shops may be open, just with different hours), with service starting in bars after Iftar.
Most restaurants and certainly Ramadan tents will NOT serve alcohol with Iftar but it’s variable. If they advertise “hops & grapes” or similar wording, then it means alcohol IS included.
Travelling through the airport, alcohol used to NOT be served during the day in DXB, but we found it WAS allowed in 2019 – we’ll update if this is still the case in 2021.
Is it even worth coming if tourist attractions will be closed?
Contrary to popular belief, most attractions in Dubai WILL remain open throughout Ramadan, especially those catering to tourists including the theme parks, Grand Mosque in Dubai and museums.
There may be variations in those opening hours though (many extending until much later into the evening), and it will be a lot quite than other times of the year which can certainly work to your advantage.
What is the appropriate greeting to use during Ramadan?
“Ramadan Kareem” is the polite greetings to use, and during Eid, “Eid Mubarak”.
Are there any other great reasons to visit Dubai during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, you may find cheaper flight and accommodation packages than other times of the year. Although now that Ramadan is creeping into April and the peak tourism season for the UAE, this may not be the case!
It is also an incredibly joyful time of year. The city comes alive in the evenings and it truly is a time of happiness and celebration for Muslims. Without a doubt, these days it’s not a disadvantage to visiting Dubai during Ramadan, in fact it can be one of the greatest for a cultural and beach holiday all in one.
Final thoughts on Ramadan in Dubai
Remember to park any opinions you may have about whether it is “right” or “healthy” or any other beliefs contrary to the Pillars of Islam; whether you are a visitor or an expatriate resident, you are a guest in the country and these are the rules that must be observed.
Where to stay:
