Travel Tips for Ramadan 2024

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Visit UAE in Ramadan 2024

Ramadan 2024 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a time to lead a slower pace of life and strengthen spirituality. As the month of fasting approaches, on the streets of the country you will hear the greetings of Ramadan Mubarak, that is, blessed or happy Ramadan. During this sacred period, Muslims abstain from drinking and eating from sunrise to sunset. This process is part of one of the Five Pillars of Islam, its name is Saum.

In 2024, the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE is expected to extend from March 11 to April 9. It is important to note that during this time non-Muslims visiting the UAE must be respectful towards believers. It is not mandatory to participate in fasting, but you must avoid drinking, eating, and smoking in public during those hours. Fortunately, practices and restrictions have changed significantly in recent years. For instance, restrictions on eating in public places during Ramadan eased.

What is Ramadan?

The first thing you need to know is that Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar, Islamic, or Hijri calendar. So if you are wondering when Ramadan ends, the answer is in the Islamic calendar.

This is a month of utmost importance for Muslims, since commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan 2024 many traditions have to be respected. For example, the celebration of Iftar, or the night meal which finalizes the daily fast for the day.

Ramadan in the UAE is not just a period of fasting, it is a deeply spiritual experience. A unique period that transforms the city and offers an open approach to Islamic culture and tradition.

As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan holds a singular home in the hearts of Muslims. Especially because it means a time of prayer, reflection, and community.

During your visit to Dubai in Ramadan 2024 it is possible to hear the greetings: Ramadan Kareem meaning “Happy Ramadan”, and Ramadan Mubarak meaning “Blessed Ramadan”. Locals will certainly appreciate hearing these greetings.

As we get closer to Ramadan 2024, Dubai is preparing to welcome this holy month with excitement. The exact start and end dates of this festival will vary depending on the lunar calendar. However, the city's preparation and observance of the month remain constant and in the city's culture.

From the Jumeirah Mosque to the historic Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, community iftars show the city's dedication to the vicinity of this sacred time.

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

After Ramadan 2024 two holidays have the same sentimental meaning. The names of these holidays in the United Arab Emirates are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The sunset is the main element that indicates the transition between these two festivities.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is the celebration of breaking the fast and is celebrated immediately after the end of Ramadan. This celebration lasts three days and that is why you often hear the question of what time does the sun set.

During these three days, the locals happily celebrate with sumptuous banquets and it is an opportunity to dress up. These days, public offices and schools are closed, so families can enjoy fun days.

Additionally, all theme parks, tourist attractions, and shopping centers are open. In fact, a recommendation is to book tickets in advance because there are usually a lot of people. Traffic can be quite chaotic and heavy during this time.

The celebration of Eid al-Fitr 2024 in the United Arab Emirates will begin at sunset on April 9, 2024.

Eid al-Adha

Another important holiday in the United Arab Emirates is Eid al-Adha. Its celebration begins approximately 70 days after Ramadan ends. Specifically, it begins on the tenth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, that is, the last month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Day after the day of Arafah, or the day of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

This holiday lasts 4 days and because it is a public holiday, offices and schools are closed. The duration can vary between 4 and 7 days, depending on the government's decision at the time.

During these days, in addition to prayers in mosques and charity activities, there are other activities. For instance, local families love to share food and gifts. Specifically, goats or sheep are usually sacrificed to eat with family, and friends and give to people in need.

You have to know that the date of Eid al-Adha constantly varies depending on the Islamic calendar, like any anniversary. Eid al-Adha 2024 in the United Arab Emirates will begin on June 16, 2024, at sunset.

Do and Don’t during Ramadan

Simply put, Ramadan 2024 is a month of prayer, fasting, and reflection for Muslims around the world. It is important to highlight that people who live in Dubai have to take into account local customs and traditions when celebrating.

One of the most classic questions is whether it is possible to eat or drink in public during Ramadan 2024. The short answer is no; you cannot eat or drink in public if you are in Dubai during Ramadan. However, it is imperative to recognize that there are some exceptions to this rule or restriction.

For instance, pregnant women, the elderly, children, and people with medical difficulties are exempt from fasting. In addition to having the possibility of eating and drinking in public on the streets of Dubai. However, these people must be respectful and discreet when doing so.

If you understand the value of these festivities, you surely have the concern of knowing what you can and cannot do during Ramadan 2024. That is why we have put together some important aspects of the things you should and should not do. Specifically, about eating and drinking in public during Ramadan in Dubai.

Do’s

Drink and eat in the privacy of your home or specific areas. For example, restaurants, hotels, or any other space that is closed from public view.
If you have to drink or eat in public, it is imperative to be respectful and discreet. The idea is to try to find a secluded place where other people who are fasting will not see you.
Avoid smoking in public during Ramadan 2024. Doing this is also disrespectful, which is why it is not recommended to do this act.
You have to know that your Muslim friends and colleagues are surely fasting. That is why it is best to refrain from eating or drinking in front of them out of respect.

Don’ts

You cannot eat or drink in public during the day on the streets of Dubai during Ramadan. That is, streets, parks, or public transportation.
You may not engage in any behavior that could be considered disrespectful or distracting to those fasting. In addition, it is prohibited to play music at a very high volume.
Finally, you cannot offer food or drink to your Muslim friends or colleagues during daylight hours. This act can be considered insensitive and people with visa on arrival in Dubai must not do this.

Ramadan in the UAE

Experiencing Ramadan 2024 in Dubai as a tourist is an excellent opportunity to have a month of reflection and cultural richness. We all know that Dubai has towering skyscrapers and bustling markets, which change during Ramadan.

As a result, you can enjoy a unique combination of traditional customs and modern hospitality:

Cultural and religious celebrations.
Participate in Suhoor and Iftar
Festivals and night markets
Community and charitable commitment.
Live in the tranquility of the great city of Dubai.
Learn more about respect during Ramadan 2024.
Time for reflection and personal growth.

Visas on Arrival for UAE

Many nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Meaning, no prior visa arrangements are needed before arriving in the United Arab Emirates. If you are arriving from any regions listed below, you do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to the UAE.