6 reasons to visit the UAE during ramadan

The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims spend the majority of the day fasting. Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar and it happens 11 days earlier each year compared to the previous. The UAE culture around Ramadan has changed significantly since we first moved here (especially within Abu Dhabi and Dubai). Many restaurants now continue to keep the same operating hours and eating and drinking in public is more visible and even encouraged for non-Muslims. Things do tend to be more conservative than usual, especially depending on which Emirate you are visiting and what specific locations you are going to but its still a great time to visit and we don’t think that tourists should be discouraged from coming during this time. Here are 6 reasons why:

1. Iftars

Iftar is the evening meal once Muslims officially break their fast for the day which happens at sunset. It’s an amazing experience not just for Muslims who are fasting, but also for tourists and non-Muslims alike. Anyone can participate regardless of their religion. The local community typically breaks their fast at home and in less lavish settings, especially during the first week of Ramadan. Pre-covid, there used to be lines of Muslims and non-Muslims alike in old Dubai that would host a free basic Iftar near some of the mosques for all that want to take part. On the other hand, hotels and restaurants of all cuisines typically have a Ramadan menu or Iftar buffet which can be extremely lavish with many delicious foods and desserts. The prices vary depending on how upscale the hotel/restaurant is but some of them will definitely cost more. For example, some can cost up to $80-100 dollars per person if you’ll be eating at a fancy 5-star hotel. If you’ll be here during this time, it is recommended that you definitely attend an Iftar at least once while visiting.

2. Authentic Cultural Experiences

If you don’t know much about Islam or Ramadan, this is a wonderful time to learn more about it. Ramadan is special for Muslims worldwide where they fast from predominantly food and drinks from sun up until sundown. We have had family visit during Ramadan twice now (Garvin’s mom and Melody’s sister) and they both had the most amazing time. This year we visited the Grand Mosque during Ramadan for the first time which was even more special than usual. We saw the staff setting up water for those preparing to pray and get ready for Iftar at the mosque. Our tour guide even shared extra information about Ramadan and what it means to her which was special, especially as she was an Emirati sharing her culture with us.

3. Beautiful Decorations and aesthetics

The UAE does everything big when it comes to holidays and events. Ramadan is no different. There are lights and beautiful decorations everywhere. You will find them on light poles while driving the highways at night and you’ll also see beautiful décor in the malls and especially in hotel lobbies which make for even nicer photos during your stay.

4. Kindness

As mentioned, the holy month of Ramadan is a time to be a better human being overall which means that Muslims here are focusing their attention on how they can be more kind, and giving to others. You’ll often see boxes of food being donated to people outside once its time to break the fast for the day. People are more likely to donate and give to charity and will probably be extra kind to you as a tourist (not because they aren’t kind already but simply because they have made it a priority during the holy month of Ramadan). It's also a time where they make gratitude an intention and focus on their love and appreciation for being in community with family and friends. 

5 . Malls and other places are open extra late

And they get super packed in the evening since many Emiratis tend to be shopping, eating and hanging out with loved ones during the late evenings. For example, restaurants in the Dubai Mall will be open as late as 2am. This can also come in handy for last minute Covid-19 testing. Melody had to get a last minute Covid-19 test once during Ramadan and was able to leave the house at midnight to get quickly tested in the mall…and as expected there were no lines or anything. This can be used to your advantage also if you need to do some shopping- you can save this for the evening and have more to do during the day. (:

6. Western Customs are still available

Even though its Ramadan, in certain places and restaurants you can still eat and drink alcohol. This is something that has been made more available for non-Muslim expats and tourists over the years. It’s a perfect example of how much the UAE values tolerance for other people, nationalities and religions (important reminder for Americans especially). A few years back “tolerance” was even a theme of the country for the year and you’ll see some reminders about this.  Things will be different such as hours and timings of places etc. but for the most part you can still be here and enjoy everything you are used to- which doesn’t really have to be accommodated. But as already mentioned, the UAE makes a genuine effort to be accepting of others and their cultural practices which is a major lesson we can all learn.