Ramadan in Dubai

The month of Ramadan starts and ends with the sighting of the new moon, and this year it has started on the 18th June and ends in 30 days. It is a month of abstinence for Muslims and one of the pillars of the Islamic faith. It is intended to teach the understanding of patience, spiritually, humility,submissiveness and giving back to the community. This means that they refrain from eating, drinking, alcohol, andsmoking during daylight hours.

During Ramadan:

1. Wish your Muslim friends and colleagues ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which means ‘wishing you a blessed Ramadan’
   
2. It is very important to dress conservatively when in public. Dubai is usually relatively liberal, but during Ramadan, women should cover their shoulders and their legs, while men should wear t-shirts and shorts should be knee length.
   
3. You should not eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in public during the Holy Month between sunrise and sunset.
   
4. If you work in an office, create a designated, closed-off area for non-Muslims to eat and drink discreetly.
   
5. Restaurants will be closed during the day, but there are some designated cafes open and available for non-Muslims that are concealed from the public view in some hotels
   
6. If you are invited to a traditional Iftar, kindly accept the invitation and enjoy this wonderful meal shared with family and friends
   
7. Working hours are reduced to 6 hours during this Holy month
   

This month may be testing for all including those that are not fasting, however when one looks at the concept and morals that Ramadan is in light of, you are made aware that your struggles during this period are nothing compared to those in need.This makes you reflect on the joys and blessings in life and be appreciative of family and friends.