What is Ramadan and its significance in the UAE?
Ramadan, also known as Ramzan in many parts of the world, is a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide. A sacred period of fasting, prayer & reflection, it is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
It holds profound religious significance, and is among the five pillars of Islam as believed to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad. People fast between sunrise and sunset, to cultivate self-discipline, spiritual growth, and empathy for those less fortunate.
Beyond abstaining from food and drink, Muslims engage in increased acts of worship, such as nightly prayers, and more charity, including the giving of alms (Zakat). The culmination of Ramadan is marked by the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr when Muslims gather to eat, pray and enjoy the festivities!
When is Ramadan in 2024
Some terms you should know
1. Adhan
The first call summoning Muslims to prayer at the mosque. During Ramadan, the fasting period begins with the first Adhaan of the day.
2. Salah
Also known as namaz, ‘Salah’ is the word used to describe the prayer of the Muslims. Per the tenets of Islam, salah is observed five times a day. Fajr (at dawn), Zuhr (at noon), Asr (late in the afternoon), Maghrib (right after sunset), and Isha (at dusk).
3. Suhoor
This is the meal people partake in before the first Adhan of the day, before dawn, in preparation for an entire day of fasting.
4. Siyam
eaning ‘to refrain’, the act of fasting from sunrise to sunset is called ‘Siyam’. During this time, Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking and smoking. In principle, observers are to refrain from bad thoughts, actions, and words as well.
5. Iftar
This is the fast-breaking evening meal! Generally, the fast is broken with a sip of water and dates.
6. Zakat
One of the five fundamental pillars of Islam, Zakat is the act of charity. This plays a very important role during Ramadan, and individuals, organizations, as well as the government, help the less fortunate.
7. Eid al-Fitr
The first three days of the 10th month of the Islamic Calendar mark the end of the month of Ramadan.
How does the UAE celebrate Ramadan?
Haq Al Laila
Celebrated in the 8th month of the Islamic calendar, a month before Ramadan, children across the UAE (and other Gulf countries) look forward to Haq Al Laila. Reminiscent of trick-or-treating, children dress up in traditional clothes and go door to door with colorful bags, singing! In return, they’re given nuts or sweets.
The Ramadan Cannons
This has been a practice in the Emirates for nearly 40 years now, intended to announce the end of the fasting hours, and for iftar to begin! The firing of these blank cartridges can be heard from almost 10 KM away and are set up in different parts of the city to ensure no one can miss them. If you’re celebrating Ramadan in Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah & the Burj Khalifa are the best places to spot the cannons. In Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the place to be for the cannon firing, and at the Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain.
Iftar and Suhoor Tents
A striking example of Emirati hospitality, Iftar and Suhoor tents are set up near mosques and in front of the homes of the rich Emiratis. The tents offer free food, in line with the principle of Zakat, to those in need.
Reduced Working Hours
To accommodate for the onset of fatigue that may be caused by hours long fasting, offices and workplaces across the UAE operate on reduced working hours. While supermarkets and some malls may remain entirely functional, some restaurants remain closed during the fasting hours.
Taraweeh Prayer
A voluntary prayer offered after Isha, the last call of prayer for the day. These prayers are performed particularly during Ramadan.
What can you do (and cannot do) as a visitor to the UAE during Ramadan?
- Strictly speaking, eating in public places is allowed but is considered disrespectful to those observing the fast. And this includes chewing gum in public.
- There’s no better time to shop in the UAE than Ramadan. Malls and shopping outlets usually have huge sales. Plenty of offers and discounts abound!
- Do not blast loud music, be it in your car or as you walk about. Ramadan is a time for reflection, and playing music so loud is frowned upon.
- Indulge in some delicious haleem or traditional Arabian mandi, both among the highlights of UAE’s traditional food.
- Given the reduced working hours across spaces, make sure to check before you plan an outing for the day. This holds true even for restaurants and some outlets in a mall.
- Avoid traveling anywhere in the hour before sunset; due to reduced work hours, you’ll find a lot of people on the road on their way back home.
- Most restaurants offer iftar boxes, packed with scrumptious food and more often than not, dates! You’ll find many people with such boxes sitting in public spaces waiting for the cannons to go off around sunset before digging in.
- If a local invites you for an Iftar, don’t think twice! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and will help you learn a lot more about the Emirati culture.
The conclusion of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr
The holy month of Ramadan ends with a three-day festival called Eid al-Fitr; these are the first three days of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar. During these three days, dressed in their finest, the Emiratis attend and host city-wide events, from communal prayers to explosive fireworks and live events. Eid al-Fitr in Dubai is one of the grandest celebrations of the festival in UAE!
