Ramadan is the holiest and the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar. Muslims all over the world celebrate the month with immense devotion and discipline. Ramadan in UAE is a sight to behold with dedicated fasting during the day and delightful iftars in the evening. It is significant for every Muslim as on Laylatul Qadr in this month, the holy book of the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Angel Jibril. Therefore, people in the UAE and worldwide recite Quran verses alongside fasting during the day for greater rewards. Most of the schools and offices in the UAE have relaxed timings for the convenience of fasting Muslims.
Ramadan celebration in UAE
The festivities of Ramadan begin with people wishing ‘Ramadan Kareem’ in UAE, or ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ to each other at the start of the month. As the month is holy, Muslims remain considerate to refrain from committing intentional and unintentional sins. People perform dedicated fasting and offer prayers in congregations inside nearby mosques. It is the time to celebrate the revelation of the Holy Quran; hence, the people of the UAE remain helpful and charming throughout the month. Shopping malls and street markets have beautiful decorations in subtle colors and lamplights. Fireworks are also organized at many places in the cities of UAE to keep the visitors and tourists mesmerized during the month.
Iftar in the UAE
Every Muslim visitor for evening iftar is greeted with warm smiles at the vibrantly decorated restaurants and eateries. Commonly, Muslims break the fast with dates and several traditional UAE dishes. Many organizations and restaurants conduct open iftar for the poor, orphans, and other Muslims. They also distribute meal boxes for a more convenient approach. In addition, locals visit family members to enjoy the iftar meals and boost brotherhood among each other.
Places to visit in UAE during Ramadan
Ramadan is among the best months to visit various Mosques and shopping centers in the UAE. Tourists can also head out on the street to experience the festivities spread throughout the country at local street markets and eateries. Shops in numerous malls also run a discount on their products on the occasion of Ramadan. Here are 3 top places to visit in the UAE during Ramadan:
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Ranking among the most beautiful mosques in the world, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi can accommodate 41,000 worshippers. The mosque has a massive structure with 82 domes and around 1,000 columns. Additionally, it has a large chandelier in the main prayer hall. Tourists can visit the mosque in the daytime during Ramadan. However, the mosque remains closed for afternoon tours in the month. Muslims can enjoy free iftar run by the authorities after the evening prayers.
2. The Dubai Mall, Dubai
Though almost all of the malls in the UAE remain closed during the daytime, most of them open after evening till late at night. The Dubai Mall offers an exclusive experience to tourists visiting Dubai during Ramadan. The mall is decorated in bright lights, with shops running exclusive discounts on their products. Restaurant outlets and eateries offer food for iftar after evening prayers. During Ramadan, other noteworthy malls in the UAE to visit are the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall, and Ibn Battuta Mall.
3. Za’abeel Hall World Trade Centre, Dubai
Another great place to shop during Ramadan 2024 in Dubai is the night market at Za’abeel Hall World Trade Centre. The night market offers some of the best products for Eid celebrations. However, it is more like a traditional market with more than 400 stalls. The numerous stalls sell products such as jewelry, clothes, henna, and more.
Popular Ramadan dishes in UAE
Iftar in the UAE offers delicious dishes with authentic tastes. Some popular Ramadan dishes include:
- Lamb thereed: A lamb stew cooked with vegetables; lamb thereed is served with Emirati bread. The stew uses local spices to offer an original UAE’s taste.
- Lamb kofta: A lamb dish cooked on the grill until it gets the smoky taste of charcoal. The dish is served with rice, vegetable, and sauce as per the individual’s taste.
- Khabeesa: It is a popular dessert in the UAE, made of flour and sugar mixed together with saffron, oil, nuts, and resins.
- Harees: A famous Ramadan dish is cooked with boiled wheat and meat. It is a porridge with local spice seasoning.
- Shish Tawouk Sandwich: This emirati speciality can be found in any fast food joint within the country. The dish is made up of thin pieces of chicken sliced with flatbread. The dish contains local spices and pickel pressed into a sandwich. People enjoy the dish as starters or quick snacks in Ramadan.
- Al Machboos: Al Machboos is a red meat and rice recipe that includes the cooking of chicken in a pot. Seasing is provided with local spices and dried lemon. The chicken is then taken out and rice is boiled in the same pot. Now both of the contents are mixed and cooked together for the final dish.
Events and charity during Ramadan in Dubai
Government and many organizations Ramadan tents for locals and distribute free and open iftar meals to the locals in Dubai. Annual memorization of the holy book of the Quran is organized by the Dubai International Holy Quran Awards. Muslims can take part in the event during Ramadan in Dubai 2024. Students and locals can participate in the competition to win cash and other prizes during the competition. The authorities also organize many other events to promote knowledge about Ramadan and its importance to the local and international people. In addition, people and authorities come together to offer iftar meals to the poor and needy.
Things to keep in mind during Ramadan in UAE 2024
Ramadan is a pious month for Muslims; hence, tourists should keep local sensibilities in mind while visiting UAE in the month. Here are some significant points:
- While visiting the UAE during Ramadan, one must be aware that there is a restriction on eating and drinking in public places during the month
- Some of the hotels provide food on their premises; therefore, tourists should inquire beforehand
- Tourists should refrain from wearing revealing dresses and adhere to traditional attires
- Playing loud music is highly discouraged as it disturbs the people who are fasting during the month
- Tourists should not publicly display affection in the UAE
- People are recommended to take ample amount of sleep if driving for long hours to avoid any mishappenings
- Tourists should book taxis in advance due to unavailability of cabs during rush hours
Ramadan is the holiest month that ends with the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr. The UAE is one of the prominent Islamic countries; hence, observe Ramadan maintaining the traditions of Islam and long day fasting. Cannon firing for announcing iftar is a common tradition that many Islamic countries follow during Ramadan; UAE is no different. All this makes UAE a must-visit country to experience the real essence of Ramadan 2024 UAE.
Suggested Read: Ramadan In Makkah: Places To Visit And Things To Do
Ramadan In UAE FAQs
What are the best places to visit in the UAE during Ramadan?
Popular mosques, luxury malls and local markets are the best places to enjoy Ramadan festivities in the UAE.
What are the popular dishes to enjoy during Ramadan in the UAE?
Shawarma, manakish, al harees, and thereed are the most famous Ramadan dishes in the UAE.
What should tourists wear during Ramadan in the UAE?
People should dress modestly with non-revealing clothes.
Can people eat at public places during Ramadan in UAE?
No, one should not eat at public places as it is an offense to fasting Muslims during Ramadan.
Is playing music allowed during Ramadan in UAE?
No, tourists can not play loud music during Ramadan. However, one can use earphones to listen to music.
How do people organize iftar during Ramadan in UAE?
People organize free iftars and invite family members for iftar in UAE during Ramadan.
Is food served in hotels in UAE during Ramadan?
Yes, several hotels provide food inside of the hotel’s space for tourists during Ramadan.
