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Are you going to be in Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan? If yes, there are many things you can do to have a good time in the city. Of course, many people in the city will be fasting and there are a few rules and regulations you need to follow, but that does not mean you can’t have a great vacation. Remember, for the first time in a couple of years, there are no restrictions and the people of Dubai want tourists to come back and have a great time. Therefore, visiting Dubai during Ramadan might just turn out to be a great decision for you.
Is Dubai Celebrating Ramadan?
Yes, the city of Dubai had been on lockdown for a long time, but since COVID cases and deaths have drastically declined, Ramadan in Dubai will be celebrated with much fervour. All the restrictions of the last two years have been lifted and Ramadan celebrations will go on in the most normal way.
Taraweeh prayers, which had been stopped in the past two years, have resumed this year. This prayer is held late in the evening, so mosques are expected to be full. If you are expecting to tour the mosques, avoid that as many people will be going to the mosque to offer prayers. However, tourists of the Islamic faith may be allowed to visit the mosques to offer prayers. Most prayers have been given a strict time limit of 45 minutes.
According to UAE’s NCEMA (National Authority for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management), people still have to wear masks and maintain a safe distance from each other even in the mosques, but there are not any restrictions on gathering. This also means that there won’t be any restrictions on Iftar. Many individuals and organisations also like to host Iftar events and tourists can also be a part of the Iftar events happening all over the city.
Ramadan Rules for Tourists
Ramadan is a time of fasting and prayer, and many people will be partaking in them because of the rough times the country and the world have been through. Therefore, you are expected to follow the Dubai Ramadan rules for tourists out of respect and for you to have a good time.
- Avoid eating food or drinking liquids in public. This can attract fines or even jail time. Almost everywhere, there are dedicated places where you can go and eat food and drink water without worry.
- Some restaurants may be closed or might only serve takeaway food during the day (fasting time). As a tourist, you must be mindful of this and plan your meals if you are heading out to explore Dubai.
- Working hours will be different for government employees. The offices may shut by 2:30 pm from Monday to Thursday and on Friday, the office can get shut at 12:00 pm making it a half-day. Private companies will shut down 2 hours before their usual working hours.
Ramadan Activities in Dubai
Despite the fasting, there are many Ramadan activities in Dubai that you can indulge in for a good time.
Shopping – All around the country, there are some crazy discounts and offers just during the month of Ramadan. From the high-end malls to the wonderful souks, you are going to find the best discounts and offers that will save you a lot of money. Many seasoned shoppers get a Dubai visit visa during this time and especially come here just for the shopping.
Iftar Specials – Many restaurants and even some organisations hold iftar events that you can visit. If it is a commercial place, you will have to pay for the Iftar but some organisations hold Iftar as a goodwill gesture and are open to the public. There will also be many Iftar tents all over Dubai.
Visit Global Village – Global Village is a popular attraction in Dubai and the place will operate at different timings just for Ramadan. You can now go and enjoy the place and its many offerings of food and culture from all over the world from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am. Global Village is a great place that is a must-visit for all tourists.
These are just a few of the things to do in Dubai during Ramadan, but if you want to go all out, hire the services of a good tour operator for a wonderful vacation in 2022.
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