Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection and devotion for Muslims around the world. In Dubai, the month is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence. As a non-Muslim visiting or living in Dubai, it is important to understand the customs and practices of Ramadan. In this article, agency& will cover public and private sector working hours, restaurants, do's and don'ts, what Muslims do for charity, celebrations, and the timings of fasting and breaking the fast.
Fasting Timings
Fasting begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In Dubai, the time for breaking the fast is announced by the call to prayer. Muslims break their fast with dates and water, followed by a meal. Suhoor is consumed before dawn and is typically a light meal that provides nourishment throughout the day.
Public and Private Sector Working Hours
During Ramadan, the working hours for both the public and private sectors are reduced. The Dubai government has announced that the public sector working hours will be from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, while private sector working hours will be reduced by two hours. However, these timings may vary from company to company, so it's important to check with your employer or service provider.
Restaurants
The month of Ramadan is also a time for culinary delights inDubai. Restaurants and cafes in the city offer special menus for Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, and Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. Visitors and residents can indulge in a range of traditional Middle Eastern dishes and international cuisine. Some restaurants also offer Ramadan tents, which provide a more traditional setting for Iftar.
Do's and Don'ts
There are some important tips to keep in mind during the month of Ramadan to respect the traditions of the month. Here are some essential tips:
Do's:
• Greet Muslims with "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak," which means"Generous Ramadan" or "Blessed Ramadan."
• Be charitable and engage in acts of kindness.
• Try to Dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing.
Don'ts:
• Avoid playing loud music or engaging in public displays of affection.
• Do not criticize or mock the traditions of Ramadan.
• Try to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day in front of a Muslim.
What Muslims Do for Charity
Charity is an important aspect of Ramadan, and Muslims across the world engage in acts of kindness and generosity during the month. InDubai, there are several charitable organizations that provide food, shelter, and other essential needs to those in need. Muslims also give Zakat, a mandatory charity, to those who are less fortunate. Zakat is usually given in the form of money or food and is distributed to the poor, needy, orphans, and other deserving people.
Useful Details for Non-Muslims
If you are a non-Muslim visiting or living in Dubai during Ramadan, there are some good details to keep in mind:
• Supermarkets and malls operate as usual during the day but will be busy after sunset.
• Most restaurants and cafes are open for Iftar and Suhoor, but it's advisable to make reservations in advance.
• Ramadan is a time of reflection and spirituality, so it's important to respect the month's customs and traditions.
• It's also a time of giving and charity, so consider engaging in acts of kindness or donating to a charitable.
Celebrations
The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr, a joyous occasion that celebrates the end of the month of fasting. In Dubai, there are many activities and events held during Eid al-Fitr, including fireworks displays, family gatherings, and traditional food and sweets.
