Ramadan in UAE: Everything you need to know!

The holy month of Ramadan 2023 is less than a month away and the entire community in the United Arab Emirates have started preparing for this auspicious time. This is the first time after the covid-19 global pandemic that the celebration of Ramadan is going to be a large-scale affair with the entire UAE immersing themselves in the one-month long remembrance of Allah and the holy Quran. 

In this blog, we’ll be exploring the traditions and culture associated with Ramadan in UAE, as well as offering advice and tips for making the most of this special time. So join us as we discover this special time and learn how to make the most of this blessed month!

1. What is Ramadan?

The holy month of Ramadan is very important for Muslims all over the world and the UAE. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and spend time in prayer and reflection. It is seen as a period of making a spiritual connection with Allah and focusing on their faith through prayer and fasting. It is also a time to practice self-discipline, patience, and generosity.

Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, also called Hijri, and is considered very holy as it is the month that the Holy book Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad. Muslims all around the world observe fasting in this month which usually lasts for 30 days based on the lunar cycle of the moon. On the last ten days of the month, Muslims observe Laylat Al Qadr when their prayers and religious fervor intensifies. 

The beginning of Laylat Al Qadr is famously said to be the night when the Holy Quran first came to the Prophet Mohammad.

2. How is Ramadan observed in the UAE?

The month of Ramadan is an important religious observance for Muslims in the United Arab Emirates. The celebrations in the UAE start a month before Ramadan starts in the middle of the month Shaaban. On a day called Hagg Al Layla, the children of the Emirates dress up in festive clothes and go to the houses of neighbors and relatives singing songs and reciting poems about Ramadan. The children collect in a traditional cloth bag, the sweets and dry-fruits that are handed out by the elders.

During Ramadan 2023, in the UAE, a festive atmosphere is created during Ramadan, with lights and decorations adorning buildings and homes. Special meals are also served each night at sunset to break the daily fast. During Ramadan, people often gather for large feasts called Iftar with family and friends. Traditionally, a lot of people break the Iftar with Dates and Buttermilk.

Another important meal is the Suhoor that Muslims eat early in the morning before the observance of fast all day. On the first night of Ramadan, the entire family gathers at the house of the eldest family member and share the meal together. The most popular dishes in the UAE that are cooked during this time are Gars, Harees and Threed.

3. When does Ramadan begin and how is its start determined in the UAE?

Ramadan in the UAE typically begins at the same time as it does throughout the Muslim world, which is determined by the sighting of the new moon and the confirmation of the moon-sighting committee. The exact date of Ramadan changes every year, but it is generally expected to begin in mid-March and end in mid-April. In 2023, Ramadan is expected to begin on March 23rd and end on April 22nd.

4.  Ramadan working hours – Reduced by two hours

This is the first Ramadan that has been opened without any restrictions after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. As a result, the festivities are on a much larger scale this time in the UAE. 

Generally, the UAE Ramadan working hours are reduced to six hours per day. This usually occurs from sunrise to sunset, which can vary from day to day. Additionally, the working hours may be further reduced during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

As per the UAE labour law, “private sector workers are required to work eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan timings UAE, working hours are reduced by two.”

Irrespective of whether the workers are Muslim or non-Muslim, overall work timings have been reduced by two hours everyday for the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan holidays in UAE differ from organization to organization.    

It is important for employers to be respectful of religious obligations and provide their employees with the necessary time to rest and observe religious rites during Ramadan. Businesses also tend to close earlier in line with the UAE Ramadan timings. Public entertainment is restricted or prohibited during the holy month.

5. When is the holiday for Eid Al Fitr 2023?

Great news! It is most likely that we are in for a four-day weekend this Eid Al Fitr in the UAE. Depending on the moon-sighting committee’s final decision, Eid should fall around April 21-22. As is common knowledge, Ramadan will last either 29 or 30 days, so it’s important to keep an eye out for the announcement. The Ramadan 2023 UAE holidays tentatively will fall on April 21. 

6. What are a Muslim's obligations during Ramadan?

During the Islamic month of Ramadan, Muslims have a few key obligations. These include fasting from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from any food, drink, and sexual activity during this time, reciting the Qur’an, attending communal prayers, giving charity to those in need, and engaging in spiritual contemplation. These obligations are meant to help Muslims become closer to God and strengthen their faith.

7. What can people expect to see during Ramadan this year?

During Ramadan, the atmosphere in the UAE is noticeably different. The streets are lit up with Ramadan themed decorations and multiple canons are placed in distance that are set off every evening indicating that people can end their fast. Since UAE is a multicultural hub, the restaurants remain open but guests are encouraged to dine indoors.

Ramadan in UAE is an important time of year for the Muslim community, and it is essential that all residents and visitors show respect and support during this special period. There are many ways to do this, such as attending events hosted by local mosques, learning about the customs and traditions of Ramadan, or simply being respectful and understanding of those who may be observing the holy month. The UAE is a country that celebrates diversity and welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, and we should all be proud of that.

8. What are the prayer timings this year and how many hours will Muslims have to fast each day?

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar and Muslims around the world will have to fast from dawn to dusk each day during this time. Generally, the timings for dawn and dusk during Ramadan vary from location to location. To get an accurate prayer time for your area, you could consult a local mosque or use a website that provides prayer times based on geographical location. 

Muslims who fast for Ramadan are advised to fast for 14 hours a day. They can have Iftar and break their fast.

9. UAE iftar time 2023 / Timings to break fast (Iftar) during the holy month of Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan in 2023, the Iftar time in the United Arab Emirates is expected to take place around 6.30 PM according to the moon sighting. If you are wondering if today iftar time in Dubai has changed or what is the iftar time in Abu Dhabi, you can refer to the table below. This is based on the Islamic calendar and the position of the moon and could vary slightly. The expected iftar time today on each day of the month of Ramadan is listed below:

10. Will restaurants be open throughout Ramadan? Will they still deliver?

Yes, restaurants in the UAE will remain open throughout Ramadan. However, some restaurants may adjust their working hours during Ramadan and delivery options during the holy month, so it is best to check with the local restaurants you plan to visit or order from for the most up-to-date information.

11. What should I wear during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. Wearing loose, lightweight clothing is recommended. It is best to avoid tight-fitting clothing and bright colors. Women should opt for long sleeves and pants or skirts that reach below the knee. Men should choose long shorts or pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. It is also important to cover your head in some places.

Conclusion:

Ramadan offers the time to reflect on our lives and count the blessings it brings us. We can look back on the many joys of fasting, praying, and reflecting on our faith, and of gathering with family and friends to celebrate the special occasion. We can also take this time to remember and give thanks for the many gifts that Allah has bestowed upon us and to sincerely ask for His mercy and forgiveness. May your Ramadan be a source of spiritual renewal and a reminder of the power of faith and prayer. Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan 2023!