Top 10 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Ramadan Holiday In Dubai

Cultural wonders, togetherness and exciting attractions await in Dubai during Ramadan. Immerse yourself in the celebrations and festivities of this holy time on your luxury Dubai holiday.

Ramadan is the time of year when Muslims fast to mark the revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammed by God (Allah). While dates change annually based on the lunar cycle, this religious holiday occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This year, Ramadan is expected to fall between February 19 and March 19. During daylight hours, practicing Muslims refrain from eating, before breaking their fast after sunset with a celebratory Iftar. Visitors to Dubai during Ramadan are most welcome and encouraged to experience all the festivities. You’ll find life is much more slow-paced during the daytime and you can use this time to admire the beauty of your surroundings, before the city bursts into life after sun down. Here are our top 10 tips to help you experience the wonders of Ramadan in Dubai.

Search our Dubai holidays.

1. Iftars

Immerse yourself in the Ramadan celebrations by attending an Iftar. This is the post-sunset meal when Muslims break their fast and is usually an extravagant banquet full of nourishing food. Numerous options are available across Dubai, with many located in luxury hotels and restaurants. With something to suit every budget, couples, families or friends seeking connection will find a welcoming spot. Atlantis, The Palm’s grand Asateer Tent holds different themed Iftars, including Arabesque, Persian and international, throughout this holy time of the year. Similarly, there’s Middle Eastern cuisine in the Ramadan Garden at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and both an al fresco buffet of Levantine and Arabic dishes and a Moroccan feast at The One&Only Royal Mirage.

2. Sales

During Ramadan, it’s important for friends and family to show their affection through gift giving and, thanks to epic sales across many of Dubai’s malls and markets, you can get involved in this tradition too! Search for the perfect souvenir for your loved ones, or something for yourself, as a memento of your holiday to Dubai. Extra savings and unmissable deals are available as well as competitions, where you can win vouchers, prizes and other items. Many venues extend their opening hours so you can shop after sunset throughout Ramadan. There’s also special exhibits and entertainment to suit the whole family, alongside restaurants and cafés. Head to the likes of Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and The Outlet Village to discover all of this.

3. Suhoors

Another unmissable experience to include on your Dubai holiday during Ramadan is a Suhoor. This is the traditional pre-dawn meal where Muslims feast before restarting their fast. Like the Iftar, many hotels host opulent dining options for guests looking to experience Ramadan first hand before exploring this dazzling Emirate. Depending on which day you visit, the Palace Downtown offers a mixture of buffet dining and a set menu in the Ewaan restaurant. Here, flavours from the Middle East, Turkey and the Mediterranean are showcased. You’ll also find a delicious Emirati-inspired set menu in Address Dubai Mall’s Solara as well as Middle Eastern cuisine in The Ramadan Majlis in the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.

4. Restaurants

Dubai’s culinary scene is unrivalled, with exceptional establishments, celebrity chefs and world-famous brands all being found across the glamorous city. There’s also on-the-go eateries, fast food favourites, local venues and budget-friendly bistros to suit every holidaymaker's needs. Throughout the Holy Month, most restaurants alter their opening hours so you can enjoy this flavoursome fare well into the evening. To sample some local cuisine, Ostura offers an elevated Middle Eastern mezze influenced by the folktales from 1001 Arabian Nights. For those searching for an extravagant experience, Il Ristorante - Niko Romito boasts two Michelin stars and serves up signature Italian dishes alongside creative beverages. Alternatively, take the pressure off your wallet at the more affordable La Sirene, which offers Lebanese and seafood specialities.

5. Attractions

Make magical memories when you explore Dubai's exciting attractions. With many keeping their doors open later than usual during Ramadan, you can enjoy the unique experience of visiting these iconic hotspots after dark. For family-friendly activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice with options like Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Motiongate Dubai and LEGOLAND Dubai. Hubs of excitement like Atlantis, The Palm’s Aquaventure World waterpark are often less crowded during Ramadan, meaning shorter queues and more fun! You can’t visit Dubai without admiring the amazing architecture this Emirate is known for. Take in the views of showstoppers such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain and Dubai Frame, plus the incredible hotels located on Palm Jumeirah island.

6. Culture

The UAE’s culture shines during Ramadan, and you can immerse yourself in the array of exciting activities on offer. Dubai’s souks are a hive of heritage, where you can shop for local crafts, traditional clothing, Emirati street food and much more. Throughout Ramadan, these authentic markets are a real highlight, coming to life after sunset for festivities and celebrations. Stop by Al Seek’s Ramadan Night Market for an unforgettable evening. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is an unmissable attraction for those wanting to explore old Dubai. The narrow alleyways, mosque and museums reveal a deep-rooted history, especially the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding. Likewise, the Al Shindagha Museum, situated on Dubai Creek, highlights Dubai's past through artefacts, interesting videos and guided tours.

7. Events

There’s a litany of one-of-a-kind events taking place across Dubai throughout Ramadan and you can immerse yourself in the variety of culture, cuisine and festivities. Occurring in Flavour Lane and the Culinary Crossroads Karama Park, the Street Food Festival is a wonderful place to break fast and sample delicious local fare. A multitude of restaurants offer menus of savoury dishes and sweet treats and you can also get involved with some food challenges. Enjoy these light bites while taking in the live music, juggling and carnival games. Ramadan Art Nights and Lights at Al Seef is a great event for families. Alongside the light projections, look forward to traditional music and storytelling of folkloric myths and legends.

8. Beaches

Beach bliss awaits in Dubai during Ramadan. There are no restrictions to visit one of this Emirate's most glorious stretches, top up your tan and splash in the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. There’s a plethora of divine expanses located across Dubai, especially in areas like The Palm Jumeirah, The Beach, JBR and Deira. Sunset Beach is an idyllic, quiet spot overlooking the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab with calm waters and beach libraries along the shore that you can borrow books from. If you’re seeking aquatic thrills and golden sands, Kite Beach is the perfect place for you. Here, you can enjoy water sports like kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. There’s also plenty of superb beaches located adjacent to your luxury hotel, offering private access.

9. Experiences

There are a number of unmissable experiences in Dubai at this time of year and you can immerse yourself fully in Ramadan traditions. Throughout the Ramadan celebrations, you can experience the firing of the ceremonial cannons. Occurring every day at sunset to mark the end of fasting and the beginning of Iftar, you can watch this spectacle at locations such as the Burj Khalifa and Expo City Dubai. Every Saturday night, visitors to Dubai can take in the magical firework displays in Dubai Festival City and The Beach, JBR. Another bucket list experience is desert camping. Ramadan Desert Safaris blend adventure with culture in a serene atmosphere that’s superb for moments of reflection and exciting activities like sandboarding and 4x4 rides before you break fast beneath the stars.

10. Eid Al Fitr

At the end of Ramadan, the three-day citywide celebration of Eid Al Fitr marks the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Holidaymakers can enjoy the vibrant activities and attractions happening across the whole three days, including concerts, family-friendly entertainment, nightly firework displays, decorations and light displays. There’s also a myriad of even more deals and great savings on shopping and dining, meaning you can really sample everything Dubai and the UAE has to offer. Whether you’re visiting as a family, couple, group of friends or solo traveller, there’s plenty to wow you during the Eid Al Fitr festivities.