A guide to Ramadan in Dubai - everything you need to know

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holy month of Islam, the ninth in the Muslim calendar. The significance and sanctity of Ramadan derives from the moment in history when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad and delivered the first verses of Islam's holy book, the Quran. To commemorate and celebrate such an important event in Islamic history, a holy month, Ramadan, was established.

The most important thing about Ramadan is its traditions and rituals - prayer, fasting and family time together. One of the most distinctive rules of Ramadan is the prohibition of eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. This is what fasting during Ramadan looks like. Muslim believers are not allowed to have evil thoughts, perform wicked acts or use ugly vocabulary during this time. The purpose of Ramadan is to purify the body and soul, to reject temptation and to focus on helping those in need.

Ramadan is not only about fasting and good acts. Muslim believers eat Suhoor in the morning - an early meal that will allow them to endure the whole day without food. And after sunset comes Iftar, a break in fasting for the duration of the night. During Suhoor and Iftar, families and friends get together, eat, talk and watch TV. Each day begins with prayer. Muslims pray five times a day, and during Ramadan prayer is particularly important. Taraweeh - the last, extended evening prayer - is then obligatory. Muslims read 1/30th of the Qur'an every day, so that by the end of the month they have read the entire book and understand it even better. The most important thing in Ramadan is charity, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is a time to lean on the plight of the poor and help those in need.

Ramadan in Dubai 2025 - when is it?

The time of Ramadan and the celebration of the holy month in the Islamic world is not fixed in the calendar. It is a moving month. The dates of Ramadan are dependent on the phases of the moon, on the basis of which the dates of Ramadan are determined year-on-year. When is Ramadan in Dubai in 2025? Ramadan in Dubai in 2025 falls from the evening of 28 February to Saturday 29 March. This is a time when the Islamic culture in Dubai is more visible - this can be seen in the increased friendliness of the people, more families get together and spend time outdoors together, and the rules of daily life during Ramadan in Dubai don't affect tourists anyway and don't get in the way of a memorable holiday.

Ramadan in Dubai - what does it look like?

Daily life in Dubai during Ramadan changes. It is a special month, full of spirituality and a heightened atmosphere among locals. The traditions of Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates are very long and go beyond the beginnings of Emirati statehood. Understanding the workings of Ramadan and the impact of Islam's holy month on residents is key to understanding how to remain respectful during Ramadan in Dubai.

Ramadan has an impact on Dubai residents both spiritually and organisationally. Muslims fast for a month from sunrise to sunset. This means that they cannot eat or drink anything for the entire day. This has an impact on behaviour - people may be slower and rest more, but the people of Dubai still fulfil their duties conscientiously despite the strict fast. What are the working hours in Dubai during Ramadan? In Dubai, each working day during Ramadan is shortened by 2 hours. The changes in working hours in Dubai during Ramadan are to relieve hard-working and fasting employees and to allow more time for family time. When is Iftar and Suhoor in Dubai? Iftar and Suhoor in Dubai, which is the late and early meal after and before sunset during the week, is usually eaten at home and at weekends in restaurants specifically for Ramadan.

Prayer is very important during Ramadan. During the last ten days of the holy month falls Laylat Al Qadr (Night of Destiny). Muslims believe that prayer during this time is equal to 1,000 months of prayers. Isha (night prayers) and taraweeh (extended evening prayer during Ramadan) are very important for believers in Allah. Prayers are organised in mosques during Ramadan, which gather crowds - believers pray in groups on the streets, which can be particularly seen in Old Dubai. During the holy month, prayers are divided into three stages called ashra. For the first 10 days, the theme is mercy, during the next 10 days forgiveness and for the last 10 days protection from condemnation.

During Ramadan, many eateries, restaurants and cafés treat the needy and often working people to drinks and lunch before or after sunset for free. When ordering takeaways, restaurants often add freebies, and in shops, retailers are more willing to do promotions. There is an inward-looking atmosphere and pervasive friendliness.

Ramadan rules in Dubai for tourists

Tourists planning a holiday in Dubai during Ramadan are concerned that they will encounter restrictions and bans related to the religious holiday during their stay. They think they will not be able to drink and eat during the day, as well as visit and enjoy attractions. Ramadan in Dubai - what is allowed for tourists? You don't have to worry about Ramadan in Dubai - during Ramadan a tourist can enjoy the holiday to the fullest, and it even comes with added benefits! You can then take full advantage of the city's charms and enjoy its unique fasting atmosphere. However, it is important to remember that the holy month is very important to the people of Dubai and to show respect for the local culture, it is worth remembering to observe a few things. How to behave in Dubai during Ramadan?

You don't have to worry about how to spend Ramadan in Dubai by remembering a few rules that express respect for the local culture. Fasting, or the prohibition of eating and drinking from daybreak to nightfall, only applies to Muslims - so non-Muslims and tourists can eat and drink without problem during the day. If you want to have a drink or something to eat, don't do it in public or crowded places. If you have the option, move away from the crowd and drink or eat in a quiet place. This is how you will express respect to the fasting people. Of course, if a child, pregnant woman or anyone else with an urgent need eats or drinks in public, it will be understandable and accepted.

Shops and attractions may be open for shorter periods during Ramadan. Keep this in mind when planning to go out to restaurants or enjoy attractions. The Dubai government shortens each working day during Ramadan by 2 hours so that every resident has more time for family and prayer. The holy month is family time, so you may see many Emirati families having picnics outdoors or eating Iftar in a restaurant after dark. If you have the opportunity, you can greet them with the words ‘Ramadan Mubarak’.

What changes to travel and transport are there during Ramadan in Dubai? During Ramadan, you can expect less traffic jams and increased frequency of public transport. Public transport in Dubai, including the metro and buses adjust their schedules in line with Ramadan. Metro and buses during Ramadan in Dubai have extended operating hours, especially in the evening for Iftar and evening prayers. Shopping during Ramadan in Dubai is a pleasure - for a month, tourists can look forward to bargain discounts and promotions in shops. With this guide, you will know how to prepare for Ramadan in Dubai.

Can you eat and drink in public places during Ramadan in Dubai?

Yes, any tourist can eat and drink in public places during Ramadan during the day - it is just advised not to do so in front of people, but if there is an opportunity, move away from the crowd to a quiet place. This is to show respect to fasting believers during the day. Children and those in need can necessarily drink and eat during the day in any public place.

Are restaurants open during Ramadan in Dubai?

Yes, restaurants are normally open during Ramadan. There may be altered hours and the peak of visitors to restaurants is during Iftar - the meal after sunset. You may find that tables in restaurants will only be inside the premises so that you do not eat in public places to show respect to those fasting. You will find places to eat during Ramadan in Dubai all over the city with no problem, so there is no option for you to go hungry while visiting.

Ramadan and tourism in Dubai

Ramadan is a moving month in the calendar. It often falls at the end of February, March or April - the end of the peak tourist season in Dubai. Although during Ramadan (counting monthly statistics) statistically Dubai has almost the highest number of visitors, you won't feel it on the streets or at attractions. Queues are smaller for many attractions, traffic jams on the streets are not as disruptive and the celebratory mood encourages interaction between tourists and locals.

What tourist attractions in Dubai can you visit during Ramadan?

What to do in Dubai during Ramadan? Ramadan is the perfect time for a holiday in Dubai. With 32 degrees during the day and around 25 at night, there is no better weather for sightseeing and relaxation. Virtually all attractions in Dubai are normally available during Ramadan. During the holy month you can go on a Sunset Yacht Cruise, jump in sports jeeps on a Desert Safari or take advantage of tickets to attractions such as the 124&125th floor of the Burj Khalifa or the Museum of the Future in Dubai - attractions and tickets for attractions in Dubai can be booked at Two Continents.

Ramadan events in Dubai

What events are taking place in Dubai during Ramadan? Due to the holy month, entertainment and music events do not take place during Ramadan. This includes concerts, live shows in restaurants, dance performances and other related performances throughout the UAE. This does not mean that nothing happens in Dubai during Ramadan!

Shopping malls mount beautiful decorations and extend their hours, offering the biggest discounts and promotions of the year. Nightly Ramadan markets are held throughout Dubai, where tourists can buy souvenirs and traditional Arabic food. The combination of the religious mood and the joy of the holy month creates a unique time to consider when planning your visit to Dubai. If you are looking for accommodation and attractions for your Dubai holiday, take a look at Two Continents, where you will find all this and much more essential information about Dubai.

Questions and answers (FAQs)

• What is worth knowing about Ramadan in Dubai?

Ramadan is the holy month of Islam, the ninth in the Muslim calendar. It was established to commemorate the Archangel Gabriel's appearance to the Prophet Muhammad of the first verses of the Qur'an. Ramadan is a moving month, its dates depending on the phases of the moon in a given year. During Ramadan, Muslim believers fast from dawn to dusk - they cannot eat or drink.

• Can I eat and drink during Ramadan in Dubai?

Yes, tourists can eat and drink during Ramadan in Dubai at any time. It is only advisable to drink and eat in places a few steps away from the crowds or inside a building - so as to show respect to the fasting Dubai residents. Children are allowed to eat and drink during Ramadan anywhere without restrictions.

• When is Ramadan in Dubai?

Ramadan falls on a different date each year, as it is a moving month on the calendar. Ramadan in Dubai in 2025 falls from the evening of 28 February to Saturday 29 March.