10 Things You Should Know When You Visit UAE During Ramadan

Are you planning to visit the UAE during Ramadan? Awesome! You're in for a unique and unforgettable experience. The Holy Month of Ramadan in UAE is observed solemnly by Muslims, and it's important to know what to do to show respect for the local customs and traditions.

But before you dive into the festivities, here are a few Ramadan rules and things you need to know to maximize your trip and have a fantastic time in the UAE during the year's holiest month!

In the lunar calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month, and it begins with hilal, the Arabic word for crescent or "new moon." There are no exact dates for the timing of Ramadan. In fact, a moon sighting committee in the UAE meets to confirm the actual start date of Ramadan each year.

During Ramadan in UAE, Muslims will refrain from food and drink from dawn till dusk, as fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. They only break their fast at sunset (iftar) and pre-dawn (suhoor). Dates soaked in milk or paired with yogurt are traditionally an iftar favorite because it is said this is how the prophet Muhammad broke his fast.

1. During Ramadan in the UAE, people may greet each other with "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak." You may spread this greeting if you want to be involved or participate in the local traditions during the Holy Month.

2. Be careful when eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum in public. While Muslims are the only ones required to go on fasting, everyone is prohibited from doing these activities publicly. To be safe and respectful, ensure you eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in the comfort of your hotel room or within the allotted restaurants.

3. Make sure to check the opening hours of restaurants because most are closed until sunset.

4. Tourists looking for a nightcap will find Dubai a more suitable place since the city has permitted bars and nightclubs to serve alcohol throughout the day.

5. Shoppers don't need to fret—malls and shops are unaffected by shorter working hours, will operate during their usual times, and may open for much longer than expected. Some are open until midnight. Extended operating hours also apply to public transport.

6. Ramadan in the UAE is also the ideal time to visit significant landmarks and attractions if you want to skip the crowds. It's also the best time to soak up the culture! Visitors are welcome to join in on the lavish iftar buffets and evening celebrations. You wouldn't want to miss the fantastic transformation that Abu Dhabi and Dubai go through once the Muslims go out during the evenings!

7. Coming with your loved one to the UAE during Ramadan? While public displays of affection have been frowned upon in Dubai, this is heightened during Ramadan and could even be considered disrespectful.

8. Playing loud music, even in your car, is also discouraged. We encourage you to pack your earphones if you want to listen to music in public.

9. Don't think twice if a local invites you to join an iftar! It's a unique experience that will let you discover more about Emirati culture. Iftar is considered a joyous occasion every evening where families and friends gather to mark the end of a day of fasting. Some restaurants even offer iftar get-togethers!

10. When we said Ramadan is the best time to visit the UAE, we weren't joking. Aside from the fact that you get to skip huge crowds at attractions and shopping malls, some even have great Ramadan offers, like slashed ticket prices and incredible deals on retail!