What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is regarded as the holiest month of the year as it was the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad PBUH on the night of Laylat Al Qadar, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month of piety, charity and blessings. During Ramadan, capable Muslims are required to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. Such fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Like other months, Ramadan too begins at the first sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the next crescent. The Islamic calendar has 354 days. Hence, Ramadan arrives 11 days earlier in every subsequent year of the Gregorian calendar. The UAE follows an official announcement in this regard from the moon-sighting committee under the UAE Council for Fatwa, in coordination with national institutions and monitoring centers in the country.
People greet each other by saying 'Ramadan Kareem' or ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, which means ‘Blessed Ramadan'.
How is Ramadan observed in the UAE?
The Ramadan traditions in the UAE start around mid-Shaaban (the month preceding Ramadan). This day is known as Hagg Al-Layla. Emirati children dress in their traditional clothes and go to houses in the neighbouring areas reciting songs and poems. The neighbours welcome them with sweets and nuts, which is collected by children in traditional cloth bags.
There are two main meals in Ramadan: Suhoor and Iftar. Suhoor is consumed early in the morning before sunrise, just before fasting hours start. Iftar is the meal to break the fast. Following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, fasting is broken with dates and laban (buttermilk).
On the first evening of Ramadan, the family gathers at the house of the head of the family, usually the grandfather, for their first Iftar. In the UAE and the other GCC countries, dates are considered as the 'bread of the desert'. Alqurs, a bread-like crumble with dates and cardamom, is a popular Emirati sweet dish during Ramadan. Other common dishes are Harees and Threed. Read about where you can eat Emirati food.
Firing the cannon (Midfa Al Iftar) is an integral part of the Islamic culture and takes place in many regions across the country. It can be heard around 8-10 km away. It signals the moment when Muslims can break their fast. This tradition is known to people since the rule of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder President of the UAE. Children wait for the sound of the big bang. To them, Iftar cannon is the most fun thing that happens during this month, apart from the sweets and other special meals and activities arranged for them. Members of the UAE military carry out this tradition with appropriate safety precautions.
Those who suffer certain barrier such as illness or pregnancy are not obligated to fast as per health professionals' advice. Those who were travelling may fast later. Fasting is not obligatory for young children but they are encouraged to fast to get used to it.. In addition to abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking, Muslims should also refrain from sinful speech and behaviour.
In addition to the regular 5 daily prayers, Muslim men and women perform Tarawih prayers daily after the Isha prayers in mid-evening. During the last ten days, many devoted Muslims spend the whole day in mosques, praying and reciting the Quran, in anticipation of the Laylat Al Qadar, the night of the first revelation of the Quran. Reciting different chapters each day from the Quran is appreciated throughout the month of Ramadan. Observing Ramadan provides a spiritual experience. It is the time for Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice and empathy for the less fortunate. It encourages generosity and charity.Events and charitable activities in Ramadan
The UAE hosts many interesting events to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan and the spirit of togetherness, charity and family cohesion that it brings along.
Check various social and cultural events during Ramadan in the UAE:
- Ramadan, at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Ramadan Events in Abu Dhabi
- Ramadan in Abu Dhabi
- Ramadan in Dubai
- Ramadan in Sharjah
- Ramadan in Ajman
- Ramadan in Ras Al Khaimah.
Find more in the events section.
Social and religious events
Religious lectures
General Authority of Islamic Affairs,Endowments & Zakat and other Islamic entities in each emirate conduct a number of religious lectures and sermons at various mosques across the country. Many world-renowned Islamic scholars are invited to enrich this spiritual month. You can follow the Authority on its official accounts on Instagram and X.
Dubai International Holy Quran Award
Dubai International Holy Quran Award is one of the country’s most prominent Ramadan events. It brings together reciters and contestants from around the world, and also includes lectures and seminars on faith and thought by specialised scholars. The event usually runs for 20 days, starting at the beginning of the holy month.
Initiatives of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat
During Ramadan, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat enhances its efforts through awareness and community campaigns, including:
- promoting awareness of the importance of zakat and its role in social solidarity
- introducing fatwa services and methods of Zakat calculation
- facilitating Zakat payment through more than 43 different payment channels.
These initiatives aim to support families in need and encourage the spirit of giving and charity.
Charitable activities
The spirit of giving and solidarity
Ramadan is a time for charity; giving to the less fortunate will be greatly appreciated. It doesn't have to be money, but perhaps food for Iftar. Providing free Iftar meals is a common practice across the UAE. Meals are provided at mosques, malls and other public places.
Iftar tents
Red Crescent Authority (RCA) and Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and other charitable organisations set up tents in various locations in the UAE to offer free Iftar meals. Setting up Ramadan tents is a fundamental practice in the UAE's tradition. It reflects the spirit of giving and sharing with people from different nationalities, social status and financial backgrounds who sit together to break their fast. Tents are usually seen near mosques, in open spaces and at the entrances of some Emiratis' houses. One can experience Emirati hospitality and traditions at these tents.
Various charitable initiatives
Many public and private organisations distribute boxes of meals, dates and water at mosques and malls, daily shortly before Iftar time. They also provide foodstuff (called Al Mir Al Ramadani) to cater to the poor.
Emirates Red Crescent campaigns (RCA)
RCA provides Ramadan supplies, distributes Zakat Al Fitr and Eid clothing to deserving families in the UAE and abroad. Individuals, companies and organisations interested in contributing to Red Crescent Society can do so through their counters located at mosques, shopping malls, hospitals and other public places.
Donation
You can donate clothes and money through registered charitable organisations by depositing them in designated boxes located at various public places. During Ramadan, many organisations set up tents near co-operative supermarkets for receiving donations.
As per the Donations Regulations, natural persons are not allowed to host, organise or carry out any fund-raising activity. Fund-raising must be done through one of the licensed charities or humanitarian organisations in the UAE.
Useful links:
Changes during Ramadan
Opening hours of grocery shops and malls
Supermarkets and grocery shops are open as usual. Malls stay open until late night.
Ramadan etiquette for non-Muslims
Non-Muslims are not required to fast during Ramadan. However, they can enjoy the unique spiritual and social atmosphere that fills the country during this month, as cities become especially lively after sunset.
Dining
Non-Muslims can find dining options in shopping malls, where restaurants and food courts provide designated areas away from those who are fasting. Some restaurants may adjust their hours or close during the day, but they open fully at Iftar. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of Iftar and Suhoor experiences at many restaurants.
Tourist Attractions
Amusement parks, restaurants, cultural and tourist sites remain open throughout the day, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy their usual activities.
Working hours
According to UAE labor law, working hours are reduced by two hours per day. This decision applies to Muslim and non-Muslim employees, without deducting regular wages.
Parking timings
Hours of paid parking change during Ramadan. Information about the parking timings, fees and modes of payment are indicated on the parking metres by the parking areas. Government transport entities in each emirate can be contacted for more information about the changes in timing and fees during Ramadan. Read about public parking facilities in the UAE.
Availability of taxis
You might find it difficult to find a taxi during evenings as a lot of drivers would be breaking their fast. It is better to book a taxi in advance. Read about booking a taxi in the UAE.
Health tips during Ramadan
Here are some health tips for healthy fasting:
- break your fast with dates
- eat freshly prepared food and eat slowly
- drink enough water during the night and avoid excessive consumption of coffee, sugar and salt
- do not exert yourself physically when fasting
- maintain a moderate level of physical activities.
Related links
- Eat healthy in Ramadan - WHO
- Top tips for healthy eating during Ramadan - Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Consumer protection in Ramadan
During Ramadan, many co-operative stores and hypermarkets offer huge discounts on many essential commodities to ease the financial stress on families; some discounts are as much as up to 70 per cent. However, since the demand for essential commodities increases, some retailers take advantage of the situation.
To avoid consumer exploitation and fraud, Ministry of Economy & Tourism sets a cap on the price of essential commodities during the month. It ensures that wholesalers and retailers maintain enough stock of all essential commodities and undertakes inspection to ensure that retailers don't violate the regulations.
Report consumer complaints by contacting the Ministry of Economy & Tourism on 800 1222.
Read more about consumer rights and consumer protection.
Find out consumer protection laws on the website of Ministry of Economy & Tourism.
Report beggars
During Ramadan, you might notice many beggars. Begging is illegal and beggars are liable to fine and/or deportation as decided by the respective courts. You can report beggars in:
- Abu Dhabi by phone on 999 or 8002626 (800Aman), SMS on 2828 or email to aman@adpolice.gov.ae
- Dubai on 800243
- Sharjah on 901 or 80040 or 06-5632222
- Ras Al Khaimah on 07-2053372
- Ajman on 06-7034310
- Umm Al Quwain on 999
- Fujairah on 09-2051100 or 09-2224411.
Related links
Useful links:
Updated On :
17 Sep 2025
