What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and during this month, people of the Muslim faith fast from dawn to dusk every day.
When does Ramadan begin? The beginning of the Islamic lunar months depend on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward.
In 2007, Ramadan will start
around the 13th of September for about 4 weeks.
Are Non-Muslims required to follow Ramadan practices? Islam is a tolerant religion and respects people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims are in no way forced to follow the traditions during Ramadan.
However, as a sign of respect to the host country, guests are asked to refrain from consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during fasting hours (dawn to dusk).
Is it OK for Non-Muslims to experience Ramadan traditions? Muslims welcome guests of all religions and cultures and encourage them to learn more about Islam. For this reason, hotels all over
Dubai have special Iftar (break of fast) gatherings and dinners at various restaurants available for guests and the general public.
Can I eat and drink during the day in Ramadan and where can I get food and drink? Most restaurants within international hotels are open during the day for non-Muslims. Restaurants will have separate sections or keep
curtains closed as a sign of respect to Muslim passers by. Room service is available as normal during the day in most international hotels. Catering facilities operate normally but do not serve alcohol before 7 pm. It is normal for small children to eat/drink in public during daylight, as their needs must be met.
Can I still enjoy the beach and other facilities in the hotel? Hotel guests can enjoy the beaches and facilities of the hotel as they normally would. The beaches are open, water sports facilities, health and leisure
centres have normal operating hours.
Is it possible to order drinks at nightclubs or lounges during Ramadan? Yes, it is possible to order drinks at nightclubs and lounges that are open at licensed outlets.
Until what time are nightclubs and lounges open during Ramadan? Nightclubs and lounges vary in their opening and closing hours. In general, they are open after breaking the fast (Iftar) at sundown until 1 am. However,
no loud music or live entertainment will be allowed during Ramadan, only background music and/or piped music is played.
What about dress code? It is encouraged to wear conservative clothing during the month of Ramadan
as a sign of respect.
Are there any changes in working/business hours? Companies usually do have reduced working hours for their staff over Ramadan, especially for those who are fasting, but it is business as usual and the normal business
hours are covered in most cased with employees working different shifts in most organisations in the private sector. The start of the business day in the morning might be a little later than normal.
What offers are available during Ramadan? Ramadan is a time when family and friends come together and community ties are strengthened. There are a myriad of options available to residents and visitors;
Al Khayal
Fort: Inspired by old Arabic houses, the fort has large barjeels (wind towers) and a water fountain to welcome you. It presents open-plan seating with elevated individual majlis set up in different locations, where you can enjoy a more private dinner under the stars.
An enchanting evening awaits you at the Al Khayal Fort where you can enjoy Arabic dishes such as cold & hot
Mezzehs, Zatar, Lamb, Mixed Manakiesh, Shawarmas and Koftas.
Special drinks and traditional sweets like Karkade, Yansoon, Jalab, Erik Sous, Katayef, Kunafa and Baklava are there to enjoy whilst listening to the traditional musicians.
Promotions are widely available from shopping malls to restaurants, from TV shows to prize give- away competitions; the entire city
illuminates with things to do and promotions to participate in.
Is everything closed during the day? No, not everything is closed during Ramadan. Opening and closing hours do change during the month as opposed to the other days of the year for offices and shops but are usually open
for short hours in the morning, usually from 10am to 12 noon and they re-open approximately half an hour to and hour after breaking fast until as late as midnight. Parks and other public places open after the breaking of fast and remain open until late at night.
What is Ramadan?