Ramadan in Dubai

Ramadan/Ramazan is the 9th month in the Muslim Calender and it’s marked by good spirits & thoughts, fasting and prayers.

It’s almost one year I’m here in Dubai. When I first came to Dubai - it was in the Holy month of Ramadan.

My observations and experience of Ramadan…

What happens During Ramadan?

1. The offices should strictly work till 2 PM. Violation will lead to canceling trade license, fines or both. Having said that, not all trade establishments are bound - there might be some relaxations for some trades.

2. People wake up 4:00 AM or so. After the 15mins prayer, they sleep. The regular 5 times prayers are followed with the 8:30 PM prayer (the last one) going in for 90mins.

3. During Ramadan, the business is dull and many don’t work as usual. Most of us just come and go, browse net, blog and come back in the afternoon for sleep.

4. None should eat or drink water in public places. Restaurants should be closed till Iftar. Restaurants having special license can operate parcel services during the day.

5. There might be fines if you get caught eating/drinking in public places. Having said that, it’s lenient in Dubai (than other Emirates in UAE) - in some malls/Internet City restaurants are open and people eat/drink in open.

6. Two of our Muslim room mates eat 3 times a day - mornings at 4 am, 6:30 Iftar (we’ll join them) - snacks, fruits, juice and dates and at 10:30pm.

You might think how they’re managing the fasting, but as far I’ve seen my Muslim friends look forward to fast! It’s difficult in the first 2-3 days of Ramadan otherwise they’ll get used to it.

Festive Spirit

The street gets lively at around 5pm where vendors come to street to sell snacks, eatables, fruits as families prepare for Iftar. Malls have special programs and events, Ramadan sale goes about in many shops.

Even though life during might effect non Muslims, believe me you have to live in Dubai/Middle East to experience the festive spirit during the Holy Month.

Ramadan Kareem!

Tomorrow we’ll a photo essay feature of Ramadan in Dubai. Stay Tuned.