Ramadan in Dubai

Ramadan is a holy month when Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet Mohammed. During this month Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk, abstaining from eating and drinking, sex and smoking. At dusk the fast is broken with an Iftar meal in one of the many tents erected around Dubai.

During Ramadan:

In the daytime non-Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places.
Restaurants aren’t open for lunch.
Bars open at around 7 pm.
Working hours are shorter.
Live music and music in clubs (if open) is prohibited.
Shopping malls are open later.

The start and finish of Ramadan is based on the sighting of the moon and in Dubai will run from August 11 to September 9 2010 (TBC).

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

carl

During Ramadan all restaurants except those in hotels are closed. The ones in hotels are hidden from view with curtains. Nightclubs are open but can't play music or have any entertainment.

Karina

many fast-food chains in dubai (outside shopping malls) are open for lunch. however, they only serve take-out orders.

sam212

You can get some pretty good deals on flights and hotels during Ramadan. So if you don't mind not being able to buy a drink in the daytime it's a pretty good time to go.

Steve1980

SMOKING IS DISCOURAGED AND SOME HOTEL RESTAURANTS CLOSE DURING THE DAY, THOUGH MANY REMAIN OPEN. DIDN'T SEE ANY LIVE MUSIC EITHER.

Gordon Palmer

All cafes and restaurants in shopping malls are closed during the day. Most hotels have at least one restaurant open, normally hidden with a curtain.

Jim

Under the labour laws all companies in Dubai have to shorten the working day by 2 hours during Ramadan.