Do’s And Don’ts Of Visiting Dubai During Ramadan 2023

A glaring fantasy of any tourist, Dubai’s gloss and glory as a tourist paradise is unknown to no souls who have ever wondered to wander. Not many will not dare waste an opportunity if met with a chance to explore the city’s magnificent beauty.

However, not all seasons offer the same experience day in and out, just like any tourist destination and it applies to Dubai too. If you aren’t able to guess what I am talking about, don’t stress; Ramadan is what we are talking about. The holiest month in the Islamic calendar where Muslims all around fast from sunrise to sunset, Ramadan come with certain prerequisites for the visitors.

But don’t confuse prerequisites with prohibition. You are not banned but are required to certain etiquette. That’s all. So feel free and read on, as we’ve listed the special customs and practices that you should be wary of while visiting Dubai during Ramadan – the dos and don’ts. 

Once you’ve internalized these etiquettes aka unwritten rules, you’re surely guaranteed a calm and enjoyable experience without a strain of worry. So, what are you waiting for? Dive straight in! 

Do’s of Visiting Dubai During Ramadan

• Never miss the iftar: Probably, the first thing you must do is participate in an iftar – the meal eaten once Muslims break the fast. Restaurants and hotels across Dubai offer special deals and packages during the month of Ramadan for everyone to experience. After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy a tasty bite of local cuisine, isn’t it?

• Dress modestly: Be mindful of what you wear in Ramadan, as it is highly respectable to wear dresses that go from the shoulder to the knees. Even though laws concerning clothing may get a little tight during this month, non-Muslims can ensure their freedom while on the beach or in a private resort.
• Experience the culture: Try visiting a mosque while you’re at it, as it presents you the opportunity to experience and observe the culture and rituals from the closest distance, like iftar — a special reservation offered during the month of Ramadan.
• Go see a Nightly Cannon Firing:  A special custom in Dubai followed since the 60s, nightly cannon firing happens just before the Maghrib prayers (sunset prayers) – the time when Muslims break the fast. So, try finding a calm spot around the Dubai City Walk, Eid prayer grounds in Al Mankhool, Madinat Jumeirah, or Burj Park, and enjoy the local ritual where cannons are fired successively to mark the breaking of the fast.

Dont’s of Visiting Dubai During Ramadan

• Smoke or drink alcohol in public: If you are in a public place, don’t try smoking or drinking alcohol during Ramadan, as it is completely illegal and may attract some punishments. However, non-Muslims are free to follow their needs in private without creating any nuisance or disturbance to others.
• Feasting out: Remember, fasting is central to Dubai, and it is highly appreciated to be respectful towards that special custom by not drinking and eating in the public like in normal seasons. However, most hotels and restaurants will provide you with special areas to do so if you truly feel like dining out with your family or friends.
• Publicly display affection: Also known as PDA, it is highly advised to refrain from displaying your affection out in the public during this holy month, as it is generally looked down upon.
• Dance or play loud music: As Ramadan is one of the quietest times in Dubai when most people spend their time in prayers or silent rituals, it is advised to respect their peace by not involving in acts of disturbance like playing loud music or dancing in public.

In conclusion, there is nothing to worry about when visiting Dubai during Ramadan except being mindful of the list we’ve compiled above. It supplies you with a basic and must-have understanding of what is expected of you, like being respectful of the customs and practices of the month.

Additionally, the list also includes a brief tour of Ramadan-only activities, including iftar and the nightly cannon firing, enabling you to soak in the Ramadan spirit just like everyone. 

Overall, Dubai is nothing short of a culturally varied and inclusive global hub that invites tourists from every nook and corner of the world, where they can respectfully and successfully participate in Ramadan in a fun and engaging way if they are to respectfully abide by the etiquette. 

Frequently Asked Questions