Ramadan - 2008

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and the holiest of the four holy months. It begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset.

Ramadan is expecting to start as early as 31st August 08 or 1st September. However, because it is dependent upon the sighting of the moon, this can vary slightly and we advise you to check with our staff for specific dates. Sunset marks the start of the Iftar, which is the breaking of the fast. This begins with a traditional meal of dates, dry fruits and fresh juices, followed by a lavish feast of grilled meats, flavored rice and other typical Arab fare including sweetmeats. Most businesses and shops are open only for a few hours in the morning and re-open after sunset until well after midnight which makes shopping during Ramadan even more interesting!

The meaning of Ramadan: Fasting in the lunar month of Ramadan is such an important Pillar of Islam that Muslims believe that missed fasts are a debt owed to Allah. Muslims believe that the influence of the devils on the believers who obey Allah is diminished during Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Ramadan Planner For UAE Hotels

During the holy month of Ramadan certain restaurants, tours, hotel facilities, entertainment and other tourist services may not be available or may be available in a restricted or in an abridged manner. Accordingly customers should consider this when making their holiday decisions.

All of our featured hotels make concessions for their clients and keep a restaurant open during the day for resident guests. Alcohol will usually not be served during this time, however, in Dubai alcohol is served in restaurants and bars after sunset for non-Muslims (from 07.00 PM until 02.00 AM). In each hotel, only one bar will be permitted to serve alcohol to guests.

In Abu Dhabi, Oman & Qatar alcohol will not be served at all. Limited restaurants will be operational in the hotels. Live entertainment, loud music and dancing are prohibited during this period.

The DO'S & DON'TS' Of Ramadan

Some simple rules to follow for non-muslims for the duration of Ramadan

• Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public. (between sunrise and sunset)



• If purchasing food and/or drink between sunrise and sunset, items must be enclosed in a bag, until not in the view of the public.



• Life goes on as normally as ever during Ramadan. Most hotel restaurants are closed, however at least one is kept open in order to serve food to non-Muslim guests.

Ramadan - Frequently Asked Questions

» What is Ramadan?

For over one billion people throughout the world, Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and during this month, people of the Muslim faith fast from dawn to dusk every day

» When does Ramadan begin?

Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of the Islamic lunar months depend on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward.

» Are Non-Muslims required following Ramadan practices?

Islam is a tolerant religion and respects people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims are in no way forced to follow Islamic traditions during the month of Ramadan. However, as a sign of respect to the host country, guests are asked to refrain from consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during the fasting hours of the day (dawn to dusk).

» Is it OK for non-Muslims to experience Ramadan traditions?

Muslims welcome guests of all religions and cultures and encourage them to learn more about Islam. For this reason, hotels all over Dubai have special Iftar (break of fast) gatherings and dinners at various restaurants available for guests and the general public. In addition, several hotels in Dubai feature special Ramadan tents, which open after the break of fast at sundown, and offer traditional Arabic food and drink where everyone can enjoy traditional Arabic hospitality

» Can I eat and drink during the day in Ramadan, and where can I get food and drink?

Most international hotels and restaurants within hotels are open during the day for non-Muslims. Restaurants will have separate sections open or keep curtains or blinds closed as a sign of respect to Muslim passers-by. In addition, in-room dining and room service is available as normal during the day in most international hotels and some restaurants offer home delivery services at certain hours for breakfast or lunch during the month of Ramadan. It is quite acceptable for small children to eat and drink in public during daylight, as their needs must be met

» Can I still enjoy the beach and other facilities in the hotel?

Guests staying at the hotels in Dubai can enjoy the beaches and the facilities of the hotel as they normally would. The beaches are open, water sports facilities and health and leisure centres have normal operating hours. Catering facilities operate normally but do not serve alcohol before 7.00pm.

» Is it possible to order drinks at nightclubs or lounges during Ramadan?

It is possible to order drinks at nightclubs and lounges that are open at licensed outlets after Iftar.

» Until what time nightclubs and lounges are open during Ramadan?

Nightclubs and lounges vary in their opening and closing hours. In general, they are open after breaking the fast (Iftar) at sundown until 1.00am. However, no loud music or live entertainment will be available during Ramadan, only background music and/or piped music is played

» What about dress code? Should I wear conservative clothing?

It is encouraged to wear conservative clothing during the month of Ramadan as a sign of respect

» Are there any changes in working/business hours?

Companies usually do have reduced working hours for their staff over Ramadan, especially for those that are fasting, but it is business as usual and the normal business hours are covered, in most cases, with employees working different shifts in most organizations in the private sector. The start of the business day in the morning might be a little later than normal.

» Ramadan in Dubai?

Ramadan is a time when friends and families come together and community ties are strengthened. There are a myriad of options available to residents and visitors:

Ramadan Tent: In keeping with true Arabian heritage, a large tent is erected at outdoor location Persian carpets, large pillows and cushions are placed on the floor for guests to experience true Arabian hospitality in the evenings. Traditional cuisine and beverages are generously offered at special affordable prices. Most locations also play traditional music and provide shisha pipes to add to the enjoyment of a truly Arabian evening.

Promotions: In Ramadan, promotions are widely available and on offer, from shopping malls to restaurants, from TV shows to prize give-away competitions; the entire city illuminates with things to do and promotions to participate in.

» Is everything closed during the day?

No, not everything is closed during Ramadan. Opening and closing hours do change during the month as opposed to the other days of the year for offices and shops, but are usually open for short hours in the morning, usually from 10.00am to 12.00pm, and they re-open approximately half an hour to an hour after breaking fast until as late as midnight. Parks and other public places open after the breaking of fast and remain open until late at night.

For more details about Ramadan ... please Contact Our Holiday Experts on
0844 800 8000 (UK) OR 076 602 0083 (Ireland) OR Email Us.

 

 

[ Top ]