Travelling to Dubai this summer but your vacation dates fall during Ramadan? No worries! From food to sightseeing, we’ll give you a glimpse into the other side of Dubai’s fast-paced city life. And show how you can turn holidaying in Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and charity, into a culturally enriching experience:
#1 Feast Iftar Style
Photo Credit: Rachita Verma
The meal with which Muslims break their fast every evening is a celebratory occasion in Dubai. From all-you-can-eat feasts to grand iftar tents, the city bursts into life post sunset. From the finest Arabic and Emirati dishes to shisha and board games, iftar is a wonderland for food lovers and great to interact with locals.
While you’re here during Ramadan, do try suhoor, a meal taken before dawn (in other words, a pre-fast meal).
If you know any local families in Dubai, gather together with loved ones for an evening of fun and delicious home cooked food!
This year (28th June to 27th July 2014), here are few places you can head to for iftar buffets and special suhoor spreads (Price for a buffet ranges from 150 to 250 Dirhams):
Al Bustan Rotana, Anantara Dubai the Palm Resort & Spa, Atlantis, The Palm, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road.
#2 Say Goodbye To Crowds
Dubai is known for life in the fast lane. During Ramadan, however, everything shifts into slow gear. Work hours are shorter and shopping malls are quieter. The advantage is that Dubai is ‘less touristy’ in this month.
Most of the tourist attractions are open during the day and you will not have to wait in long queues. It’s easier to get tickets for landmarks like Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and fun places like Wild Wadi Waterpark.
#3 Offer Prayers At A Mosque
Visiting mosques is a great way to understand the religious importance of Ramadan and what it means to the people of Dubai. During this period, many Muslims spend time in religious observance at mosques or prayer rooms.
To gain a deeper spiritual understanding, choose from one of the fascinating and informative mosque tours conducted in the city. These include the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
#4 Stay At A Discount
Travelling to Dubai on a budget has never been easier! With high end hotels providing fabulous Ramadan deals and discounts, you can save more while holidaying in Dubai. Look out for hotels in prime locations; some of them even offer iftar and suhoor meals as a part of the Dubai Ramadan special packages.
#5 Shop At Ramadan Night Market
A trip to Dubai is incomplete without a shopping fiesta, as many would agree. And the Ramadan Night Market, held from 17th – 27th July 2014 at Za’abeel Hall World Trade Centre Dubai, is the perfect place to do that.
The market is more like a bazaar with over 400 outlets. There are interactive workshops, kids’ special area, henna artists and lots more! You can visit the night market during the last 10 days of Ramadan for Eid shopping.
Handy Tips For Tourists:
- During the day (sunrise to sunset), eating, drinking and smoking is strictly prohibited in public places. However, hotels do offer meals within the premises. It is best to ask the concierge or hotel help desk for details.
- Tourists are advised to respect the dress code during the holy month and wear modest clothes. For women, shoulders and knees should be covered whereas men can wear knee length shorts or trousers.
- July is one of the hottest months in Dubai so don’t forget to pack light cottons.