Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic year. Ramadan is a time to fast, worship, and reflect on yourself. In Dubai, Ramadan is a unique moment because the development of the city of Dubai itself is very fast. In recent years, old religious traditions have begun to mingle with more modern values. If you are visiting Dubai in the month of Ramadan, you need to understand and respect its cultural heritage. If in doubt, follow the customs of the people there.
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Method 1 of 3: Understanding Ramadan
Step 1. Respect the month of Ramadan
Regardless of your beliefs, understand why the Ramadan tradition is considered important by Muslims. If you visit Dubai, try to respect the prevailing Ramadan culture. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (known as the Hijri calendar), and is a sacred moment for all Muslims around the world. In the month of Ramadan there is also a moment that forms the fourth pillar of the Islamic religion because Muslims generally believe that the holy book of the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the month of Ramadan. Therefore, the holy month marks the revelation of God.
Step 2. Know when the month of Ramadan starts
In the Islamic or Hijri calendar, Ramadan is always the ninth month. However, the beginning is always changing from year to year on the Gregorian (Western) calendar. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the movement of the moon, while the western or Gregorian calendar is based on the movement of the sun. Therefore, it's a good idea to find out in advance about the beginning of the month of Ramadan by doing an internet search using simple keywords, such as "Ramadan 2016" or "Ramadan 2017".
- Keep in mind that on the Islamic calendar, holidays or the beginning of the month start from sunset on the previous day. Therefore, if the start of Ramadan falls on June 6, Muslims will start observing Ramadan traditions (eg Tarawih prayers) from sunset on June 5.
- As the year progresses, the month of Ramadan begins 10-11 days earlier on the Western calendar. For example, in 2013 the month of Ramadan began on July 9; in 2014, the month of Ramadan began on June 29; In 2015, the month of Ramadan began on June 18.
Step 3. Pay attention to how Muslims behave in the month of Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month so Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, or having sex every day, from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). Many Muslims take this moment as an opportunity to leave bad habits. Some people even want to deepen their faith by praying more and reading the Koran. In general, Ramadan is a time to restrain lust, ask forgiveness, and purify oneself.
As a guest or visitor from abroad, you are not required to fast or perform religious activities (unless you are a Muslim). You simply respect and appreciate the prevailing culture. What's more, try to be considerate of Muslims at this time, and don't tempt those who are holding back from lust (eg taking lunch)
Step 4. Recognize other important dates in the Islamic calendar
In Dubai, Islam is the main religion, although there are several other religions practiced by its citizens. Islamic holidays in the United Arab Emirates are considered important so it is better if you know what may happen on those days (and what to prepare). Some important dates in the Islamic calendar, among them, are Isra Mikraj (the journey of the Prophet Muhammad SAW from the Grand Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque, then to the seventh heaven in one night), Maulid Nabi (the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad), the beginning of the month of Ramadan, and two Hari Raya or Eid (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha).
Method 2 of 3: Be Respectful
Step 1. Dress modestly
Both men and women are expected to dress modestly and discreetly during the month of Ramadan. As much as possible do not show too much skin. Cover your knees and shoulders, wear only light makeup, and don't show the neckline. Also, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- If you are a woman, it's a good idea to cover your head with a veil or pashmina. This type of clothing is used to reduce the risk of temptation.
- Dress modestly, especially when you enter mosques or other holy places. This also applies, even when you visit not in the month of Ramadan.
Step 2. Try to be considerate of Muslims who practice Ramadan worship or traditions
Muslims will refrain from eating and drinking, from sunrise to sunset. In addition, Muslims will also actively refrain from worldly temptations. If someone is trying to stop themselves from doing a certain habit or activity, don't do it in front of them. Offending locals is the “best” possibility you can get. In the worst case, you may have to deal with the Dubai police. Therefore, be modest and show respect, and do your best to maintain the peace.
- Don't play music loudly. In general, don't make a lot of noise in public. You also shouldn't swear or say rude things in public. Ramadan is a time to worship and reflect spiritually so that loud noises or harsh words can destroy that peace.
- Fasting can impact one's eating and sleeping patterns so some locals may feel more irritated or sensitive than usual. Understand that this is part of the worship experience. Try to be patient with someone you meet.
Step 3. Show your generosity
Charity is an important part of the ethos of Ramadan. This means that donating money to charity can be a good way to feel the spirit of Ramadan. If you want to help a specific organization, look into the various volunteering or donation activities available in Dubai. As a simpler and easier favor, try adding an extra percent for the workers who serve you.
Step 4. Understand the changing working hours during Ramadan
This month, working hours are two hours earlier than usual. To keep hunger at bay, people tend to stay up late at night, then nap during the day. All public restaurants or coffee shops are closed from dawn to sunset. Also, usually places like bars, clubs and public places with live music will close during Ramadan, so it's a good idea to look for other activities to keep yourself busy.
- Be careful when on the road. The streets of Dubai will be much busier, especially in the lead up to iftar time in the evening and when people go out for dinner. Drivers usually feel more tired than usual and the rate of traffic accidents in the United Arab Emirates increases dramatically during the month of Ramadan.
- Don't worry if you need to find food. Restaurants at hotels, airports or tourist destinations usually remain open throughout the day. In addition, food and drinks are provided freely at these places.
Step 5. Don't eat or smoke in public
During the month of Ramadan, smoking is prohibited in almost all public places. Even when you smoke in private, you can still attract the attention of others. Most importantly, do not smoke near Muslims as some of them may be refraining from smoking during the month of Ramadan. While eating and drinking in front of Muslims is not considered illegal, it is usually considered disrespectful.
Method 3 of 3: Following and Feeling the Culture
Step 1. Try to follow Dubai's unique tradition of celebrating Ramadan
Dubai is one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the world, and its citizens are rapidly adopting Western customs. However, during the month of Ramadan, Dubai exhibits a beautiful blend of religious tradition with modern culture. Bars and nightclubs are closed, public concerts are suspended or banned, and the city's excitement is felt by the traditional iftar (iftar) tents (known as “majlis” or “jaimas”) that open along the streets.
Step 2. Enjoy iftar or iftar
Every afternoon, Dubai residents gather in traditional Arabic-style tents to break their fast. The tents known as “majili” or “jaima” are furnished with Persian rugs, colorful pillows, and a variety of dishes and drinks. After the fast ends in the evening, people come to socialize, share food, enjoy shisha, and play games. Celebrations or iftar events like this can be held behind closed doors, at home, in public, or even in a restaurant. In the United Arab Emirates, poor people can visit large tents set up in the streets or near mosques to get a free iftar meal.
- If you don't know the locals in Dubai, take friends and family members for a visit to the iftar tent set up by the hotel in the afternoon. Enjoy delicious mint tea, coffee and Arabic dishes while playing games, relaxing and soaking up the Ramadan culture. This can be a fun way to experience Ramadan in Dubai.
- If you're invited to an iftar dinner, don't miss the opportunity! It's usually considered rude to come with nothing, so it's a good idea to bring a box of dates or some other simple Arabic dessert as a gesture of kindness to your hosts.
Step 3. Show the typical greeting of the month of Ramadan
Feel the spirit of Dubai residents in the month of Ramadan. Greet Muslims with the words "Ramadan Karim" (more or less meaning "The grace of the month of Ramadan may be with you"). At the end of Ramadan, during the three-day Eid celebration, greet people with "Aid Mubarok". Think of them as congratulating them (eg “Happy holidays!”). Everyone uses these sayings during Ramadan so if you don't use them, you may end up appearing more "flashy" (in this case, considered different).
Step 4. Go shopping
Muslims who worship during the month of Ramadan will refrain from spending a lot of money during fasting. However, after sunset, they usually go to a shopping center or mall. Shopping nights during the month of Ramadan can be compared to shopping nights in Indonesia, especially before Idul Fitri or Christmas. Often times, malls or shopping centers stay open and crowded, even after midnight. Generally, business owners will attract shoppers who come in the evening with attractive offers and promotions. These promotions include promotions for shops or restaurants, to promotions for purchasing airline tickets, hotel bookings, and renting apartments for the short term. This way, it will be easier for you to plan and manage finances for living in Dubai.
Try buying or renting a house in the month of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is a very special moment for people living around Dubai. The economic development in Dubai has resulted in an increase in housing prices which, it turns out, is one of the biggest problems facing Dubai residents today. Anyone who buys a property or rents it during Ramadan can pay the existing rent for the full year, without having to worry about rising prices
Step 5. Relax during the three days of Eid celebrations after the month of Ramadan
Ramadan is a quiet and holy moment because basically, it is a time for Muslims to fast spiritually for one month. However, eating iftar in the evening is a celebration to end the daily fast. In addition, the three-day celebration after the month of Ramadan will be much more enjoyable. Celebrations and parties are a “must” in Dubai. The city will be more lively and lively with the great celebration. As in the month of Ramadan, it would be better if you stick to the culture and customs of the local Dubai residents. Once everyone starts partying, you can feel more relaxed, follow looser rules and have more fun.
