Ramadan in Dubai: Discover the Peaceful Spirit of the City

Ramadan is one of the most spiritual and culturally rich times to visit Dubai. The city changes during this holy month, mornings are quiet, evenings are festive, and the whole city is filled with a deep sense of reflection, kindness, and community. You don’t have to be Muslim to appreciate it. Visitors from all backgrounds are welcomed and can experience a different, peaceful side of Dubai.

At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we help travelers from around the world enjoy Dubai in every season. During Ramadan, we guide you through etiquette, timings, what to do, where to eat, and how to make your visit smooth and respectful.

What is Ramadan and Why is it Important in Dubai?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It’s the month when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. No food, drink, smoking, or gum during daylight hours. But it’s not just about food, it’s about self-control, patience, charity, and deep spiritual focus.

In Dubai and across the UAE, Ramadan is respected by everyone, both Muslims and non-Muslims, as a time of reflection and community. The city slows down a bit in the day but comes alive after sunset.

Ramadan Fast Includes	Explanation
Fasting (Sawm)	No eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight
Prayers (Salat)	Five daily prayers, with added night prayers
Charity (Zakat)	Helping the poor and giving back
Reflection (Tafakkur)	Slowing down and being grateful

What Changes in Dubai During Ramadan?

🌞 Daytime is Quiet and Respectful

• Malls and shops open later or operate split hours.
• Restaurants may close during the day or serve behind covered windows.
• Music and public entertainment are reduced.
• People dress more modestly.
• Some attractions adjust their schedules.

🌙 Nighttime is Festive and Joyful

• Streets light up with decorations.
• Iftar and Suhoor tents welcome everyone.
• Malls stay open late, often past midnight.
• Families and friends gather for large meals.
• Cultural shows, music, and shopping offers begin.

Dubai Ramadan Timings: Daily Schedule

Time of Day	What Happens During Ramadan
4:30 – 5:00 AM	Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) ends
5:15 AM	Fajr prayer (fasting begins)
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM	Most public offices operate
1:00 – 4:00 PM	Quiet time; some shops close
6:25 PM	Iftar (fast breaks with date & water)
7:00 PM onwards	Ramadan tents, mall shopping, events
8:00 – 11:00 PM	Family gatherings, Tarawih (night prayer)

Where to Enjoy Iftar and Suhoor in Dubai

Dubai during Ramadan is a food lover’s dream. Iftar and Suhoor meals are beautifully prepared and often shared with guests. You can experience them at:

🕌 Cultural Tents

These are temporary dining spaces set up across the city. Open-air, decorated, and full of traditional Arabic hospitality.

• Located in parks, beaches, hotel lawns
• Serve dates, laban, lentil soup, biryani, desserts
• Great place to meet locals and tourists

🏨 Hotel Iftars & Suhoor Buffets

Most luxury hotels offer grand Ramadan spreads.

Hotel	Iftar Price (AED)	Suhoor Price (AED)	Notes
Atlantis The Palm	250	190	Seaside Ramadan tent, live oud music
Armani Hotel	280	210	Burj Khalifa views, gourmet dishes
Al Habtoor Palace	240	180	Lavish buffet, Arabic desserts

👉 Explore more at Michelin Restaurants in Dubai or Celebrity Chef restaurants.

What Can Tourists Do During Ramadan?

You can still enjoy all major attractions, just be aware of adjusted hours and respectful behavior.

🏝️ Outdoor Fun (Early Morning or Late Evening)

• Visit Dubai’s beaches before 9 AM or after 5 PM
• Go for desert activities or light hiking before sunrise
• Enjoy sunset views at The View at The Palm

🏛️ Indoor Activities (During the Day)

• Explore Museum of the Future
• Enjoy cool spots like indoor fun centers
• Discover traditional culture at museums and galleries

🛍️ Night Shopping & Events

• Visit Global Village if open (Global Village)
• Shop at Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates till midnight
• Explore local markets and Ramadan night bazaars

Etiquette for Tourists: What’s Expected?

✅ What You Can Do

• Eat in designated places (hotels, mall cafés)
• Wear respectful clothes: shoulders and knees covered
• Greet locals with “Ramadan Kareem”
• Attend public Iftars or cultural events

❌ What to Avoid

• Eating, drinking, or smoking in open public areas
• Playing loud music in public
• Showing public affection (even hand-holding)
• Speaking badly about fasting or traditions

Respect is key, and it’s always appreciated by locals.

Tourist Itinerary During Ramadan

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Early beach walk or desert sunrise
8:00 AM	Breakfast in hotel or designated café
10:00 AM	Visit museum or indoor attraction
1:00 PM	Relax at hotel, spa, or pool
4:30 PM	Head to Iftar venue, explore nearby
6:30 PM	Enjoy Iftar buffet
8:00 PM	Attend cultural event or Ramadan tent
10:00 PM	Late-night shopping or dessert café

Need help booking? We offer spa reservations and private chef experiences during Ramadan evenings.

Eid al-Fitr in Dubai: A Joyful Celebration

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a joyful 2-3 day holiday filled with family time, prayers, sweets, and gifts.

What to Expect:

• Fireworks at beaches and Downtown Dubai
• Special Eid brunches and offers at hotels
• Huge sales at malls and shopping centers
• Free entry or discounts at some attractions

You can check our guide to Eid in Dubai for full celebration details.

Ramadan Shopping & Night Markets

If you love shopping, Ramadan is a treat:

• Malls stay open late, even till 1 AM
• Special Ramadan deals on clothes, electronics, home items
• Gift boxes of dates, perfumes, and sweets

Explore Dubai Shopping Festival for extended offers and discounts.

How BestDubaiPlaces.com Helps You During Ramadan

At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we guide you gently through Ramadan so you enjoy it the right way, full of peace, flavor, and cultural beauty.

🕌 Cultural Understanding

We explain etiquette, timing, greetings, dress code, and what to expect, in clear language.

📅 Smart Planning Tools

We help you build a Ramadan-friendly itinerary with calm mornings, relaxed afternoons, and festive nights.

🍽️ Dining Guides

We connect you to the best Iftar and Suhoor spots, from luxury tents to local gems.

📸 Hidden Gems & Photo Tips

Sunset skyline views, mosque visits, and Ramadan night lights, we tell you when and where to capture them.

🛍️ Shopping & Celebration Tips

We highlight the best Eid sales, night markets, and cultural events for a complete holiday.

Explore cultural spots, join peaceful events, and enjoy every evening with our help.

👉 Contact Us if you’d like help building your Ramadan trip plan or reserving dining spots.

FAQs About Ramadan in Dubai

Can tourists eat during Ramadan in Dubai?

Yes, but only in indoor cafés, hotel restaurants, or designated dining zones.

Are malls open during Ramadan?

Yes, most malls open late and stay open until midnight or later.

Can I go to the beach during Ramadan?

Yes, you can visit early morning or after sunset. Just avoid eating openly during fasting hours.

What is a Ramadan tent?

It’s a temporary structure offering traditional meals, Arabic hospitality, music, and a cozy setting for Iftar and Suhoor.

What should I wear during Ramadan in Dubai?

Dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, especially in malls and public places.

Can I visit mosques during Ramadan?

Yes, non-Muslims can visit certain mosques (like Jumeirah Mosque) through guided tours outside prayer times.

What is the difference between Iftar and Suhoor?

Iftar is the evening meal to break the fast. Suhoor is the early morning meal before fasting begins.

Is alcohol allowed during Ramadan?

Yes, but it is served only in licensed venues and often only after sunset.

Ramadan in Dubai is not a limitation, it’s an opportunity. It’s a time when the city slows down, becomes more thoughtful, and lights up at night with warmth and culture. As a visitor, you can enjoy spiritual calm, amazing food, and a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we help you see the beauty in every season, especially Ramadan. Whether it’s a calm beach morning, a peaceful museum afternoon, or a joyful Iftar under the stars, your Dubai journey during Ramadan will be unforgettable.

🕌 Let the quiet mornings and glowing nights of Ramadan show you a whole new side of Dubai.