In the UAE, Ramadan is strictly observed by believers and must be respected by guests of the country. The working schedule of almost all institutions changes during the fasting period; as a rule, most shopping and entertainment centers and food and beverage facilities are open after sunset and operate until very late at night, while government institutions switch to a reduced daily schedule.
The period of Ramadan 2024 begins March 11 and runs through April 10. During the holy month, tourists are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke in public areas until sunset. One should also refrain from wearing immodest clothes, use vulgar language in public and host noisy parties. Since 2021 Dubai has abolished the strict requirements for restaurants to hide food and diners — today there are no screens or curtains in halls of F&B facilities that are open during daylight hours.
The meal before sunrise is called Suhoor. Dinner, which is one of the main reasons to meet with your family and close friends during Ramadan, is named Iftar. During the holy month, many restaurants diversify their menus and generally suggest reservations. It is recommended to choose a place for dinner in advance, since after sunset all believers will rush to enjoy their long-awaited meal.
Visiting cultural attractions or shopping malls is also possible during Ramadan. This is a good opportunity to get discounted prices and save money, because the holiday brings great discounts of up to 85% for a wide range of items. Moreover, shopping malls often arrange lotteries, raffles and competitions with giveaways.
During the sales in Dubai, customers are offered a wide range of products at discounted prices, including clothing, electronics, appliances, groceries and much more. Some travel agencies also offer discounts on their tours, while hotels reduce room rates.
Throughout the holy month, many special offers and discounts can be found via online shops. Online shopping eliminates the time and money spent in traffic and on parking. Many well-known brands are involved in the 2024 sale, such as Amazon AE, Noon and Carrefour.
Noon is a widely used marketplace in the UAE, offering products from all over the world. The company offers discounts of up to 80% during Ramadan. For example, discounts of up to 70% off on TVs, while 50% off is provided for smartphones and accessories.
During Ramadan, Carrefour Hypermarket features 80% off on products, including personal care items at 60% off, TV’s come with a 60% discount and up to 75% off is offered for consumer electronics and large-scale appliances.
The Namshi online store regularly provides discounts on a diverse assortment of clothing, including dresses, shirts and pants. During Ramadan 2024, women's clothing and accessories are discounted by up to 85% and children's clothing by 60%.
Beach areas and parks generally continue to operate as usual during Ramadan. However, most attractions reduce their working hours and may be closed during the final 10 days of fasting. Stores observing the restrictions are open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 18:30 to 23:00–24:00.
To celebrate the holy month, families can visit Dubai Festival City Mall. Over the past few years, the mall has hosted a show dedicated to Ramadan and offers the opportunity to participate in workshops and lessons on cultural traditions and history.
The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Culture invites visitors to explore Muslim culture through specially arranged tours and programmes. It is also possible to join an Iftar there. The center is located in the historical Bur Dubai district.
The Crescendo restaurant at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, located on the Palm Jumeirah crescent, serves Iftar meals during this time. This restaurant offers its guests Arabic and international cuisine specialties along with the ability to spend time on a spacious outdoor terrace with a picturesque view of the Arabian Gulf. The cost of an Iftar here is AED 215 (USD 59) for adults and AED 110 (USD 30) for children from 6 to 11 years old.
The Courtyard at Vida Dubai Creek Harbour would be a great choice for an evening dinner. The terrace features stunning views of the harbour, the bay and the panorama of Dubai. Iftar is served in a buffet style with a selection of traditional middle eastern dishes.
Those who would like to dine in the central part of the emirate are recommended to go to the twin towers of Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The Terrace Between the Towers is organized here during the holy month and serves a buffet with Arabic and Levantine cuisine. The terrace overlooks the newly opened Museum of The Future and the beautiful panorama of Dubai. The cost of Suhoor is AED 185 (USD 50) per person and Iftar is AED 275 (USD 75).
A great place to try Iftar is the classic Italian Belcanto Restaurant, located in the Dubai Opera. The cost of iftar per person is AED 249 (USD 68).
International dishes are served at the Roman Lounge & Terrace, situated along the Arabian Gulf in Caesars Palace Dubai. You can enjoy your dinner/Iftar admiring the breathtaking sunset views. The restaurant offers Moroccan and Levantine specialties. The price of iftar for one person starts at AED 185 (USD 50).
