Are you visiting Dubai during Ramadan? Is it your first Ramadan in Dubai as an expatriate? Breaking the myth that nothing happens during Ramadan, we would like to highlight a diversified list of events and activities that will be running through Ramadan. Make sure to share this!
The range of Ramadan activities allows fasting and non-fasting people to discover and be a part of the period of enlightenment while at the same time enjoying the vibrant ambience and hospitality of a city that has made its mark internationally as a year-round family tourism destination.
Ramadan in Dubai is truly a great experience, the contrary of what some expats tend to say when they hear friends or family want to come over that time. Other than the annoying hot heat, being in Dubai during Ramadan is an occasion to embrace and get to know the Arabian traditions. After sunset, the city comes to life with a quite a festive buzz (ok…empty roads at 7 PM doesn’t sound festive, but that’s because everyone is indoors getting ready to break fast!). You sure find events all over town, like events in malls, themed entertainment until after midnight, etc. Whether it’s Iftar feasting, late-night shopping, make sure to not stay in, but get out there and enjoy it before it ends!
1) Photography in Old Dubai
Grab that camera and go capture these amazing moments of Ramadan in old Dubai, best photos guaranteed. Make sure to walk through Naif, one of Dubai’s oldest and busiest neighbourhoods.
2) Go to Alserkal Avenue
If you are an art fan visiting Dubai, do NOT miss this spot. They have board games every Saturday and Sunday, galleries open later, in a nutshell, you will LOVE IT! Each gallery or venue might have their of Ramadan celebrations too, make sure to do some more research.
3) Spend some time at the Malls
Well if you are visiting Dubai, you sure have to experience what it is like to be in a full mall at 2 AM! Of course go to the Dubai Mall, then perhaps the Mall of Emirates. If you have seen them, Ibn Battuta mall is nice to see as a visitor!
4) Go for the Ramadan Night Run
Go for a run yes! This is an one-night-only community fun run taking place on Friday, 18th May 2018 at 7:45 PM – 9:45 PM. 10km, 5km and 3km routes will be set at the Dubai Autodrome location.
5) Go to an Iftar or Suhoor!
No matter what your beliefs are, big duh, you can’t be in Dubai and not try MANY iftars and a few Suhoors on top of it while smoking a shisha!
6) Try to fast
If you really want to experience what your Muslim friends go through during Ramadan, why not you join in on the fast and try to control your cravings and sort out some of your bad eating habits. You don’t necessary need to do the full fasting. You can do a fasting with water only, or intermittent fasting (read more about it) or simply just keep an eye on your food intake more strictly than how you usually do it!
7) Go to night markets
Unfortunately, this year in 2018, the Ramadan Night Market is not going on. Although, many other organizations and people have markets and we sure recommend you to find one to attend to immerse with the local busy crowd!
8) Be generous
Ramadan is the time of the year that most expats gives back a lot to charity by downsizing the wardrobe as an example! Since the holy month is about thinking of someone other than ourselves and especially the ones less fortunate, it is simply the perfect moment to do the big Spring Clean Up of the house! You will also notice a lot of Ramadan Sharing Fridges, which is many people leaving fridges with food and water for those who need it to break fast. You can find it in most communities in Dubai! Join their Facebook group, Ramadan Sharing Fridges, to find out more.
9) Pool it up
Yes expats, travellers and humans, during Ramadan you sure can still put on your bikini and go enjoy the beautiful beach and beach passes at hotels and resorts. Rumours are not true, you sure still can enjoy some vitamin D! Just make sure you cover up in public spaces and don’t walk in your bikini to your car … I mean, never do anyway to be respectful!
10) Live the normal life
In general, during Ramadan, you can still visit and enjoy the city or other Emirates. Just make sure to not drink and eat in public and hide to do so, just to be respectful and mindful of the religious period.
Hope you enjoy your Ramadan experience in Dubai or your 20th haha!
- Have you ever visited a muslim country during Ramadan?
- How is your Ramadan experience so far as an expat or visitor in Dubai? Share your experiences with us!
- Do not hesitate to ask us any questions or read more about the UAE!
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