When and How to Celebrate: Ramadan 2023 in Dubai

As you know, Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates. It is an Arab country where the majority of the population is Muslim, about 96%.  Should learn more about how to do the fasting, What are they doing during Ramadan and understand the culture or traditions in order to make it happy and fun when living in Dubai. Another thing that is absolutely necessary to learn more is impact on investment or buying & selling property during the fasting period in Dubai. The exact start date for Dubai Ramadan 2023 has not been confirmed yet as it depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. 

What is Ramadan: How important is it in Dubai?

Ramadan is a lunar month and the sighting of the new crescent moon determines the start date. Typically, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) announcements the start date a day or two before the start of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims engage in daily fasting and break fast at sunset with the best meal, iftar. After iftar (breaking of the fast), they attend evening prayers at mosque and spend time with family and friends. Many local businesses, including restaurants and shops also have shorter opening hours or close early. Some restaurants are functioning normally, they always have exciting offers such as halal buffet promotions at a special price for families or people who want to break the fast. Restaurants compete by offering special menus and prices to satisfy even the most hungry. 

Experience the Vibrancy of Arab Tradition in UAE

Ramadan is also time for charitable giving and many organizations and charities in UAE collect donations for those in need. It is a time for community gathering for iftar and other events to share meals and socialize together. In addition to fasting, Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and growth. Muslims spend more time reading and studying Quran, and also increase charitable acts and good deeds. Ramadan is also a time for forgiveness and asking for forgiveness, making it time of personal growth and self-improvement. 

For non-Muslims, it's important to be respectful and considerate of those observing Ramadan. This includes being mindful of their fasting and avoiding eating or drinking in public during the day. Additionally, it's important to be aware of the shorter opening hours of businesses during Ramadan and plan accordingly.

To know: Ramadan dates and calendar 2023

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The exact dates of Ramadan 2023 have not been confirmed yet, but it is expected to begin on Thursday, March 23, 2023 and end on Friday, April 21, 2023. The period of fasting is expected to last 30 days that’s means Eid Ul Fitr would be on Friday, April 21, 2023.

To be noted that the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, which means that the dates of Ramadan may vary from year to year based on the sighting of the new crescent moon. The official announcement of the start of Ramadan is usually made a day or two before the start of the month by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).

Working time during Ramadan in Dubai

During the fasting period in Dubai, working hours are typically shorter. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) sets official working hours to start from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Anyway, some businesses may have different working hours, so it's best to check with specific company or organization. Some businesses may be closed for entire month of Ramadan and may vary depending on type of business. For instance, a lot of restaurants may be closed during the day and only open for iftar and suhoor, while supermarkets and convenience stores open later in the day and close earlier.

For those working in Dubai during Ramadan, it's important to be mindful of the shorter working hours and plan accordingly. This may include adjusting schedule, prioritizing tasks, and being mindful of the needs of colleagues who may be fasting. Overall, working hours during Ramadan in Dubai may be shorter than usual, and it's necessary to check with specific companies or organizations for their schedule. The most important thing is to be mindful of customs and traditions of Ramadan and be respectful of those who are fasting.

Respectful guidelines, visitors during Ramadan in Dubai 2023

Ramadan, spiritual reflection and growth month for Muslims. Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset and engage in additional prayers and acts of charity. As a visitor or expat in Dubai, important to be aware and respectful of customs and traditions of Ramadan. Some rules to observe during Ramadan in Dubai:

• Avoid eating and drinking in public during the day, considered disrespectful to those fasting. Many restaurants and cafes are closed during the day, only open for iftar and suhoor.
• Dress modestly, customary during Ramadan. Cover arms and legs are particularly important when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
• Refrain from loud music and partying, disruptive and disrespectful to those observing month.
• Show respect for religious customs and traditions, the sacred month for Muslims. Avoid public displays of affection and smoking in public during fasting hours.
• Be aware of traffic, which may be heavier during the evening and the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Generally, Ramadan special and meaningful time for Muslims worldwide. Observing these rules will help visitors and expats to be respectful and considerate of those observing them. Be aware of the customs and traditions of Ramadan and plan accordingly. The government of Dubai implements regulations to ensure culture and religion are respected during this time.