Dubai During Ramadan

[coolmum123]

Hi everyone,
We are looking to go away for a week or so in March 2024 for some sun and relaxtion. Thought about going to Dubai - never been there before - just checked and the time we would be there would be Ramadan.
Has ayone been there during Ramadan? What is the excursions / food and drink situation like for tourists during the daytime? Is it worth going or should we look to go elsewhere?

Many thanks

Hello OP.

I've lived in Dubai for almost 16 years and can tell you that Ramadan is a beautiful time to be here.

Many years ago there were a lot of restrictions but things have relaxed a huge amount now and you'll be able to drink and eat as normal. If you're staying in a hotel pretty much anything goes as soon as you are inside.

They will likely host large iftars (the meal at the breaking of the fast) which are incredible affairs.

Aside from this, it's a time when the community comes together to give back and there's a huge focus on this: we come together with friends and Neigbours to feed 1500 people each night at our local mosque. We are not Muslim, everyone really comes together to give back and it's a magical month.

Of course, you will have all the Dubai naysayers jumping on shortly to tell you what an awful place it is, why would you want to visit......

I did Qatar during Ramadan in 2022. I was just with my kids and flights and hotels were really cheap, presumably because of Ramadan.

Alcohol was quite hard to come by (I think I had a couple of beers in my room) but that wasn’t a major issue since it was just me and the kids.

I did end up paying for us to have a couple of Iftars which was a bit of a waste of money since we had already had a couple of meals so weren’t hungry enough to take full advantage.

It was a little quiet too.

So no major reasons not to go but my marginal preference would be to avoid, particularly if you are travelling with other adults and enjoy the occasional beverage.

Thank you so much for your posts. We are going to have a think about what we want to do.

@coolmum123 We went to Dubai in Ramadan and we were just fine. We did a desert trip and dune bashing plus we took taxis for shopping and visiting the gold souqe and harbour. Also the hotel provided everything for guests. I think we didn’t have an alcohol bar service at the pool but that didn’t bother us. We are not big drinkers. We stayed at the One and Only Royal Mirage. The whole hotel is beautiful and it was buzzy in the evenings.

Following this post as we are also planning to visit during Ramadan in March 24’. From what I’ve heard from travel agents and an agent in Dubai are that it’s quiet relaxed. Restaurants in malls may have blinds so you can eat inside but people fasting won’t be able to see, some places won’t serve alcohol.