UAE Ramadan 2023

Most tourists know about Ramadan as one of the oldest traditions and a holy month for Muslims. But they have yet to learn how this will affect holidays in hot Islamic countries. If you want to go to Dubai or any other emirate, it is recommended to find out the rules, recommendations, and restrictions for the Ramadan period.  In this article, we will talk about the features of holidays during Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates. 

All You Need to Know About Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Muslims consider this time the most auspicious of the year. It is believed that this month, Allah began to transmit the teachings of Islam to the prophet Mohammed, which was later collected in the book of the Koran.

Ramadan 2023 is scheduled for March 22 - April 21, 2023. Eid Al Fitr 2023 will be on April 22 and 23, Saturday and Sunday. The weekend in Abu Dhabi will be from 20 to 23 April (inclusive).

How Ramadan Is Held in the United Arab Emirates

Tourists in the UAE are loved and respected, so they try to compensate for possible inconveniences associated with restrictions during a religious holiday sacred to all Muslims:

• Ramadan is a time of strict fasting for Muslims, which does not affect the comfort and quality of tourists' rest.
• Many hotels during this period offer big discounts and special offers.
• Shopping centers hold lotteries with drawings of valuable prizes.
• In the evening, restaurants and cafes offer a varied menu and amazingly delicious dishes during Iftar, the first meal allowed during Ramadan after sunset.

At night, a fabulous transformation takes place, making Dubai a great spot to visit: festive illumination lights up everywhere, decorating houses, streets, gardens, and parks.

The Best Iftar Buffets in Dubai

Muslims break their fast with a slight meal known as iftar after sunset. Then follows the time of prayers, which takes a minimum of one to two hours during Ramadan.

Iftar is not just a meal, it is a real festive celebration with a rich selection of delicious halal food and drinks. We recommend paying attention to your hotel's invitation and enjoying the taste of authentic culinary delicacies for Iftar, especially since all dishes have very attractive prices.

Be sure to visit a traditional Iftar held in numerous hotels and restaurants and try traditional dishes: 

• Haris - meat and wheat dish that takes several hours to cook.
• Maamoul - a dessert made of flour, spices, and honey. Every local homemaker has their own secret recipe passed down from generation to generation on how to cook it properly. 
• Umm ali - a creamy bread pudding. 

There are hotels where luxurious Ramadan Tents are held year after year. And if invited to visit the Iftar buffet - gladly agree! This is a great opportunity to learn about Arabic traditions in a homely family environment.

Also in Dubai, you can find free Iftar tables, with authentic dishes, mostly near mosques. This is a good gesture on the part of religious leaders, because, as we already wrote, during Ramadan, all Muslims try to bring as much goodness into the world as possible and do good deeds.

Residents of Dubai eat both at home and in cafes. There are no fundamental rules. One thing is important - to spend Iftar time with close and pleasant people.

The Greatest Iftar Tent Experiences in Dubai

This Ramadan in Dubai, are you looking for a special place? You can go to various Ramadan tents in downtown Dubai with your friends and family. Plenty of alternatives suit all preferences, from lavish iftar tents to custom ballrooms.

Al Majlis Tent

Middle Eastern and international dishes are served at Iftar buffet stations in the main dining area, which has a very Arabesque aesthetic. If you are interested in the private majlis, you can reserve sitting places for your group.

Asateer Iftar Tent

With views of Palm Island and the Arabian Gulf, the specially designed Asateer Tent raises the bar on luxury. The architecture is inspired by Arabesque architecture, and each evening's menu includes a distinct kind of Middle Eastern dishes.

Dana Tent

The Dana Tent is one of the best Ramadan tents on Dubai's well-known City Walk, offering a buffet of Mediterranean foods and traditional Emirati specialties.

Iftar at Dubai Opera

For a unique iftar experience, the theater at the Dubai Opera will be turned into a flat-floored dining hall. There will be several buffet tables in the main area, featuring live carving stations with a fine assortment of Arabic and foreign cuisine. There will also be live entertainment, such as oud musicians and traditional Arabic music, in typical Dubai Opera fashion.

Majlis of the World

A multicultural iftar event usually sets at the city's family-friendly international park. Along with a sit-down dining experience, customary live music, and a variety of board games, the outdoor Ramadan tents will be available. 

Terrace Between the Towers

This close-up skyline view is all about the glitz, set against the spectacular Museum of the Future background. Its cuisine offers mezze, mouthwatering cheeses, a lavish camel roast, grilled goat, and a buffet full of seafood delicacies.

Prohibitions and Restrictions for Tourists

But there are, of course, some inconveniences: the ban on eating and drinking water, as well as on smoking in the daytime - from sunrise to sunset. The restrictions are valid in all public areas (beaches, streets, restaurants and cafes, shops, parks, etc.).

Restrictions on food and drink apply exclusively to Muslims. Still, we strongly recommend that those who are going to the Emirates during this period check the Dubai REST, the first week of Ramadan (March 23-29) was very productive as DLD registered AED 5.92 billion (USD 1.61 billion) in sales and purchase transactions. A total of 2,379 properties were sold during this period.

Why Acquire Property During Ramadan?

The most attractive features of buying property during Ramadan include:

1. Special promotions from developers. For example, last year, developer Reportage Properties provided a 10% discount on all residential properties, as well as a flexible payment plan with a 10% down payment and 1% monthly payments.
2. Reduced competition between potential buyers. Many refrain from buying real estate during Ramadan, so when buying a home on the secondary market, you can negotiate better prices with the owner.
3. 5-year mortgage loans with a fixed rate of 5% under special conditions in honor of Ramadan. If rates decrease in the future, you can easily refinance the transaction and repay the loan according to new indicators.
4. Reduced working hours allow both buyers and sellers more time to view properties.

You should also keep in mind that, unfortunately, during Ramadan, transactions can take longer due to changes in working hours and reduced business volume, whether buying, selling, or renting a house; incorporating this into schedules or timelines is critical.

Conclusion

In Dubai, Ramadan is a special time of the year, and the real estate market is no exception. With these offerings in mind, you can navigate the market during this month with cultural sensitivity and understanding and take advantage of any possible discounts or developer incentives.

Tourists who choose the Ramadan period for traveling to the UAE will be generously rewarded: they will be able to see the Arab world as it really is, feel the vibrant atmosphere of national traditions and try to understand the feelings and thoughts of people of a different faith, a different mentality, but living in our common home on planet Earth.

FAQ

Are there two Ramadans in 2023?

In 1997, there were two Ramadans in a single year for the first time. After 2030, 2063 will include two Ramadans once more. 

What are the working hours for Ramadan in the Emirates?

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has now informed employees in the public sector of the anticipated working hours during Ramadan. According to the FAHR statement, Ministries and federal agencies will be open from 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has stated that all private sector employees would enjoy a two-hour reduction in workdays during Ramadan.

Is alcohol allowed in Dubai during Ramadan?

Except for a few locations with special authorization to serve alcohol during Ramadan, alcohol is prohibited in Dubai throughout this holy month.

Can I eat at Dubai Mall during Ramadan?

It is forbidden to do in public during the month of Ramadan since this is the main component of fasting. However, this regulation usually does not apply to children.

Saurabh Agarwal

Senior Property Consultant

With over a decade of Real Estate Experience in the Dubai Market, I bring a high… More

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