Celebrate the holiest month of Ramadan with The Travel Makers in Dubai. Dubai is an emirate of UAE which is an Islamic country and Ramadan is the holiest & most celebrated festival in the UAE.
According to astronomers, the festival is going to start on the 12th of March (Tuesday) and lasts till the 9th of April. Every capable Muslim needs to fast and abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk.
Celebrate every ritual of Ramadan in Dubai with The Travel Makers. Choose the best travel agency to perform every ritual of this holy festival. Start your venture by heading to Dubai. Book top-service hotels for staying and celebrating Iftari with traditional Ifatri dishes like green salad, dates, kababs, meats, etc. You can also book a car ride to the top Iftari restaurants with The Travel Makers. Just call us at +971-4256-2434.

THINGS TO BE MINDFUL OF DURING RAMADAN IN DUBAI

Ramadan is not only about the act of fasting; for Muslims, it is also about abstention – including tobacco, ***, music – and tolerance.

  • Appropriate dress standards must be observed in public areas (more stringently enforced than usual).  All grown-ups (including teens) should be dressed conservatively and look to have arms and legs covered in public – and certainly avoid cleavage and tight clothing. This said, just as dining rules have relaxed in recent years, it seems so have clothing rules – don’t be THAT tourist!
  • It is a time for peace and giving, so try to avoid shouting and anger, and especially no rude words or gestures.
  • Most workplaces will modify working hours throughout the Holy Month to accommodate the needs of those fasting.
  • You may also find shops have very different opening times, with many closed all day and open through most of the night.  Major supermarkets and Malls can even be open 24 hours a day!  You should have no problem finding an open supermarket throughout the day for groceries; you obviously shouldn’t consume anything until you get home.
  • Mosques that are open throughout most of the year for guided tours to non-Muslims may adjust or pause their programs during the Holy Month.
  • Attractions such as evening desert safaris will continue to operate, but the entertainment element of their program may be paused or altered over Ramadan.
  • Special events such as Ramadan Night markets and other pop-ups after dark occur during Ramadan, adding to the uniqueness of visiting Dubai at this time of year.           
  • Many tourist attractions will adjust their hours too; always check on websites/Facebook pages for changes to business opening hours at this time of year.

Attraction Timings during Ramadan in Dubai

  • Dubai Mall Shops are open Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to Midnight; Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM – food establishments will stay open until 2:00 AM
  • Global Village presently advertising normal hours; 4:00 PM to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and 1:00 AM Thu to Sun -TBC if they’ll extend to 2:00 AM
  • Dubai Frame 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Museum of the Future 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Quranic Park 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Cave of Miracles and Glass House close 7:00 PM)
  • Ain Dubai is Temporarily closed still
  • Aquaventure 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Dubai Parks & Resorts Varies by the park – Legoland opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM, Motiongate opens at 11:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM/9:00 PM, and Bollywood from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM/11:00 PM weekends
  • Dubai Safari Park Day session 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (it doesn’t look like they’re doing the late-night sessions in 2023)

FAQ’s during Ramadan Celebration in Dubai

Can I Visit Dubai during Ramadan?

Many visitors unfamiliar with Islamic culture are understandably nervous when they work out they will be visiting Dubai country during Ramadan.

Can I eat as a non-Muslim during Ramadan in Dubai?

Yes and No! As we explained above, you should not eat in public places or in front of those who are fasting out of respect.

The rules around this in Dubai are significantly changing, whereby more cafes and restaurants are open in Dubai during Ramadan, but it is still respectful to remain discreet. Certainly, no daytime eating while walking along the street or in a car; even if you’re unlikely to be fined, it’s socially unacceptable.

Can I not even drink water during Ramadan in Dubai?

Muslims indeed refrain from even drinking water; however, as a tourist, you can do so discreetly. You can drink with a meal in a designated restaurant, or during the day, nipping into a bathroom or anywhere not in the public eye, you can steal a sip. Within the confines of a resort, it is now permissible to drink poolside (just use your discretion in the company of others who may be fasting).

Can you eat as a Non-Muslim during Ramadan in Dubai?

Rather not say- yes or no. But it is moral not to eat in public areas or in front of those who are fasting for respect. You will also find the timings of restaurants and cafes are often changing during Ramadan in Dubai. Especially, during the daytime, try not to eat while wandering through the streets of Dubai.

What should I wear in Dubai during Ramadan?

There is a slightly higher standard of dress expected of tourists during Ramadan. While we talk about shorts and t-shirts being fine for most of the year in our dress code advice here, during Ramadan extra effort to cover shoulders and knees should be made.

You will, unfortunately, find so many who now flaunt these guidelines.

If you are staying at a Dubai resort, you will have no issue wearing your swimwear in the appropriate parts of the hotel as you would year-round.

Can a non-Muslim attend Iftar?

Yes, non-Muslims are very welcome to attend an Iftar and enjoy the experience. You should dress respectfully for the occasion and be mindful to let those who have been fasting all day go first.

Can tourists drink alcohol during Ramadan in Dubai?

Another area that has evolved over the years. Non-Muslim tourists are allowed to drink in Dubai as we discuss here. However, it can be a little different during Ramadan. Serving alcohol, especially during the day, used to be strictly taboo, with service only starting after the sun sets, if at all.

This has changed in recent years and it seems you can continue to be served alcohol at many venues throughout the Holy Month just as you would any other time of year.

Most restaurants and Ramadan tents will NOT serve alcohol WITH Iftar, but it’s variable. If they advertise “hops & grapes” or similar wording, then it means alcohol IS included. Traveling through the airport, alcohol used to NOT be served during the day in DXB, but we found it WAS allowed in 2021 and has been allowed ever since.

Is it even worth coming if tourist attractions will be closed?

Contrary to popular belief, most attractions in Dubai will remain open throughout Ramadan, especially those catering to tourists, including the theme parks, the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and museums.

You may observe a slower pace of life, and life in Dubai tends to move to late nights. There may be variations in opening hours (many extending until much later into the evening), and it can be quieter than other times of the year, which can certainly work to your advantage (given dates fall over the Northern Hemisphere spring break, this is no longer the case; in fact, March/April remains one of the busiest times to visit Dubai, despite the Holy Month and fasting).

Can I Visit the Grand Mosque during Ramadan?

Yes, you can visit the Grand Mosque during Ramadan and if you were planning a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the good news is that the Grand Mosque will remain open daily throughout Ramadan for non-Muslim visitors. You can get a transfer service with The Travel Makers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. There will be a 3.5-hour window in the evening when it is closed while Iftar is observed.

Is it possible to take part in activities at Desert Safari during Ramadan?

While most activities are available during a desert safari in Ramadan, some are unavailable as a sign of respect for the holy month. For example, belly dancing performances and Alcoholic beverages are unavailable during Ramadan. Food is available during a desert safari in Ramadan but after Iftar time.

Can I book a taxi during Ramadan?

It might be difficult to find a taxi as most of the taxi drivers fast during Ramadan. But there is no need to worry, the transportation service is available throughout Dubai as well as UAE with The Travel Makers. For more details, contact the best travel agency in dubai at +971-4256-2434.