Q&A: Your questions about Ramadan in Dubai answered

Does that mean that I’m not allowed to eat or drink in public?
Article 313 of the UAE’s penal code states that a person who publicly eats or drinks during the day during Ramadan, or encourages the act of eating or drinking publicly, can face imprisonment of up to a month or a fine of up to AED2,000.

Will my children be allowed to eat and drink? 
Yes, all children are allowed to eat and drink as normal.

I’m travelling soon… will I be allowed to eat at the airport?
Yes, all travelling passengers are allowed to eat at the airport.

I’m on holiday and was hoping to work on my tan… can I go to the beach?
Yes, you can. However, standard fasting rules apply, so that means no eating or drinking. Although not a rule, it is advised that all beach-goers to be respectful and wear modest swim wear.

I spend most of my work day driving… am I allowed to smoke and eat in my car?
The general rule states that smoking, eating and drinking in public is prohibited during Ramadan, so unless your car is screened off from public view, it’s not advisable.

I have a bunch of friends coming to visit me, will there be any restaurants open during the day this Ramadan?
Most of the restaurants in Dubai will stay open during the Holy Month. Some will be open for in-house dining while others will only be doing deliveries. Click here to see which restaurants are open this Ramadan.

Do I have to alter the way I dress?
As Ramadan is a Holy Month, everyone is required to dress respectfully. That means covering your knees and shoulders as well as refraining from wearing clothing that is too tight.

What about the nightlife, does that stop completely?
No, not necessarily. Many venues in Dubai close for the whole summer, and others stay open all year. It is a quieter time of year in general though, so it’s best to check the venue’s Facebook page to see if they are open.

I visited Dubai a few years ago and the cinemas were only airing old movies, is that still the case?
No, not anymore. In fact, Wonder Women is scheduled to make its Dubai debut this Thursday.

What about snacks? Will I be allowed to eat in the cinemas?
That depends on which cinema company you’re planning on going to.  announced that it will not be selling snacks before iftar and that guests are not allowed to eat at their outlets (The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall) before sunset. Vox Cinemas, on the other hand, stated that they will be selling snacks as takeaway orders and that moviegoers are allowed to eat, but only in the cinema halls.

How can I give back to the less fortunate this Ramadan?
Ramadan is a great time to give back to the community. One of the projects you can get involved in include the Ramadan/Sharing Fridges initiative that gives back to the less fortunate by supplying them with free food. Or, if you don’t have enough time to go and buy food and stock a fridge, you can buy a meal through Groupon’s Ramadan initiative.