{"id":1616776,"date":"2024-03-07T16:01:23","date_gmt":"2024-03-07T21:01:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/?p=1616776"},"modified":"2024-03-07T16:01:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T21:01:23","slug":"a-guide-to-ramadan-in-dubai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/en\/a-guide-to-ramadan-in-dubai\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Ramadan in Dubai"},"content":{"rendered":"

Content provided by Visit Dubai<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is the Holy Month of Ramadan?<\/h3>\n

One of the five pillars of Islam \u2013 the other four being faith (shahadah), prayer (salah), charitable giving (zakat), and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) \u2013 Ramadan is the ninth and most important month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Ushering in a period of great spiritual and social awareness, it is the holiest time of the year for Muslims around the world and commemorates when the first verses of the Holy Qur\u2019an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims observe the Holy Month by fasting, offering prayers, charity and spending time with loved ones.<\/p>\n

When does Ramadan take place?<\/h3>\n

As it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary from year to year, but in 2024 it is estimated to begin on 11 March and end on 9 April. The exact day Ramadan starts is officially announced when the crescent moon of the ninth month (of the traditional Islamic calendar) rises. Ramadan lasts for either 29 or 30 days, until the next new crescent moon has been sighted.<\/p>\n

How is it observed?<\/h3>\n

A significant part of Ramadan is daily fasting throughout the Holy Month, with followers abstaining from all food and beverage during daylight hours. Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, those who are physically or mentally incapable of fasting, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and travelers are exempt.<\/p>\n

Before sunrise and ahead of the daily fast, the suhoor early meal is held. After sunset, the iftar meal then breaks the fast. These meals are one of the best ways to observe the Holy Month with friends and family. In fact, once the sun sets on a day of fasting, it\u2019s a joyous occasion filled with socialising. During Ramadan, a sense of spirituality settles in and it becomes a time for family and friends to come together and invite members of the community to share a meal with them. This also serves as an opportune time for non-Muslims to learn more about Islam, its traditions and how it promotes empathy, compassion, charity and spirituality.<\/p>\n

Do I need to fast?<\/h3>\n

Regardless of your faith, Ramadan can be a special month in Dubai. Fasting is not required for non-Muslims. However, you are welcome to try fasting for a day and everyone is respectfully asked to be considerate of those who are practising. Non-fasters don\u2019t have to go hungry \u2013 for restaurants and dining areas it is business as usual.<\/p>\n

Ramadan etiquette for non-Muslims<\/h3>\n

Out of respect for this deeply spiritual time for Muslims in Dubai, visitors coming to experience the city during Ramadan can observe some of the points of etiquette below to show their consideration: <\/p>\n