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Ramadan in Dubai: Essential Etiquette, Dos & Don’ts for Expats
Ramadan is a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. In Dubai, the atmosphere transforms with a strong emphasis on tradition, community, and charity. If you’re an expat living in Dubai during this time, understanding the customs and etiquette will help you navigate the city respectfully while also experiencing the beauty of Ramadan.
When is Ramadan in 2025?
In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28 and end on the evening of Sunday, March 30. These dates are based on the lunar calendar and may vary slightly depending on moon sighting reports.
During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The fast is only broken in evenings with a meal called Iftar. Earlier, we already talked about the most interesting places for Iftar in Dubai.
During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The fast is only broken in evenings with a meal called Iftar. Earlier, we already talked about the most interesting places for Iftar in Dubai.
Understanding Ramadan in Dubai
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims through fasting from sunrise to sunset. This means abstaining from food, drink (including water), smoking, and other physical indulgences during daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset with iftar, and the early morning pre-fast meal is called suhoor. Throughout the month, you will notice a more spiritual and reflective atmosphere in Dubai, with shorter working hours, special prayers, and an emphasis on charity and togetherness.
Dos and Don’ts During Ramadan in Dubai
Dos: Show Respect and Embrace the Culture
Don’ts: Avoid These Cultural Missteps
- Dress Modestly: During Ramadan, it’s especially important to wear conservative clothing. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that cover the shoulders and knees in public spaces.
- Be Mindful of Eating and Drinking in Public: Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum in public during fasting hours, as it is considered disrespectful. Many restaurants remain open for non-fasting individuals, but they serve food discreetly or provide takeaway options.
- Learn Common Ramadan Greetings: A simple “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (Generous Ramadan) is a great way to show respect and appreciation for the occasion.
- Accept Invitations to Iftar: If you’re invited to an iftar meal, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience Emirati hospitality and learn more about Ramadan traditions. Arrive on time and be respectful of the prayer before the meal begins.
- Plan Around Changed Working Hours: Many businesses, government offices, and shopping malls operate on reduced schedules, often opening later in the morning and extending hours into the night.
- Support Charity Initiatives: Ramadan is a time of giving, and you will see donation drives, food distributions, and charity events across the city. Contributing to these efforts is a meaningful way to engage with the community.
- Use Lowered Voices in Public Places: Keep conversations at a respectful volume, especially in places like malls, public transport, and business districts where people may be reflecting or in prayer.
Don’ts: Avoid These Cultural Missteps
- Eating or Drinking in Public: Even though non-Muslims are not required to fast, eating or drinking in public before sunset is disrespectful. Restaurants and food courts provide designated spaces for non-fasters.
- Playing Loud Music: Many people use this time for reflection and prayer, so avoid playing loud music in public places, including your car.
- Engaging in Public Displays of Affection: While Dubai generally discourages PDA, it is especially frowned upon during Ramadan.
- Refusing Food or Drink After Iftar: If you are invited to break the fast with others, it is polite to at least try the offered food or drink. Refusing outright may be seen as disrespectful.
- Disrupting Prayer Times: Be mindful of prayer times when interacting with locals, particularly during iftar when they break their fast and perform Maghrib prayers.
- Driving Recklessly Just Before Iftar: Roads can get busy right before sunset as people rush to break their fast. Drive cautiously and allow extra time for travel.
What to Expect in Dubai During Ramadan
1. Changes in Daily Life and Business Hours
Shops, government offices, and banks operate on adjusted hours. Malls and restaurants often stay open much later, some even until the early hours of the morning. It’s best to check timings in advance to plan your activities accordingly.
2. A Different Pace of Life for Expats
For expats, Ramadan means adjusting to a slower daily rhythm. Many workplaces implement reduced working hours, and social life shifts towards the evenings. Expats who adapt to this schedule will find it easier to integrate into the local culture during this month.
3. Discounts and Special Offers
Many businesses offer Ramadan promotions, from shopping discounts to special hotel and restaurant deals. This is a great time to explore Dubai while enjoying exclusive offers.
4. Public Transport Adjustments
Metro and bus services may extend their operating hours to accommodate the increased movement of people, especially late at night after iftar.
Shops, government offices, and banks operate on adjusted hours. Malls and restaurants often stay open much later, some even until the early hours of the morning. It’s best to check timings in advance to plan your activities accordingly.
2. A Different Pace of Life for Expats
For expats, Ramadan means adjusting to a slower daily rhythm. Many workplaces implement reduced working hours, and social life shifts towards the evenings. Expats who adapt to this schedule will find it easier to integrate into the local culture during this month.
3. Discounts and Special Offers
Many businesses offer Ramadan promotions, from shopping discounts to special hotel and restaurant deals. This is a great time to explore Dubai while enjoying exclusive offers.
4. Public Transport Adjustments
Metro and bus services may extend their operating hours to accommodate the increased movement of people, especially late at night after iftar.
Where to Experience Ramadan in Dubai
For expats looking to engage with Ramadan traditions, here are some recommended experiences:
- Iftar at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU): Experience an authentic Emirati iftar while learning about Ramadan traditions.
- Ramadan Markets: Explore unique markets at locations like Global Village, Madinat Jumeirah, and various malls.
- Mosque Visits: While non-Muslims cannot enter all mosques, the Jumeirah Mosque offers guided tours that explain Islamic traditions.
- The Ramadan Cannon: Witness the traditional cannon fire at sunset, a historic signal marking the end of the daily fast.
- Dubai Opera’s Ramadan Events: Enjoy cultural performances, suhoor dinners, and special Ramadan-themed shows at Dubai Opera.
- La Mer and JBR Ramadan Lights: Walk along the beautifully decorated beachfront areas, which offer a festive yet peaceful ambiance.
Final Thoughts
For expats, living in Dubai during Ramadan is an opportunity to immerse in the city’s culture and traditions. By following these etiquette guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enriching experience. Whether you're attending an iftar, adjusting to the altered daily routine, or simply appreciating the serene atmosphere, embracing the spirit of Ramadan will help you integrate more fully into life in Dubai.
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