What is Ramadan?
While we have all heard of Ramadan before, you may not actually know it's significance to the Muslim culture. Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar and is considered the Muslim holy month, marked by daily fasting which includes no food and no water from sunrise to sunset for the whole 30 days. It is a time for prayer and self-reflection and as well as fasting Muslims refrain from smoking, bad behaviour (including gossiping, swearing and fighting) and impure thoughts. Ramadan is observed through the whole of the United Arab Emirates.What does this mean for you?
Ramadan is an extremely quiet time of the year in the UAE, with most locals using the month to pray and reflect throughout their fasting. It is likely that many parts of the cities will be closed, including restaurants and some shopping places. The streets are much quieter and many people remain indoors. Major attractions and shopping centres will still be open and hotel restaurants do cater to Western tourists who are not fasting. Some tours and activities will be altered a little during the month of Ramadan, for example alcohol will not be available to purchase during this period.What should you be aware of?
While many of the hotels and resorts will accommodate non-fasting visitors, it is very important to you follow the public rules of Ramadan. You can not consume food or drink liquids in public places between sunrise and sunset, which includes on the street, in shopping centers and attractions, in buses and taxis and at the beach. Additionally you can not smoke, swear, argue or fight or listen to music in public areas.
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