Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is when the city shines a spotlight on community and culture.

Ramadan is an important time for Muslims across the world, as it marks the ninth month in which the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In Dubai, this is no different, and the Holy Month is remembered through prayers, fasting, and togetherness, as well as a series of community-focused events.

The specific dates of Ramadan change every year as it is based on the cycles of the moon. However, if you're lucky enough to be in Dubai during this special time, you will get to experience a whole other side of the city. To better understand the rituals of Ramadan, here's what a typical day during the Holy Month involves:

Suhoor: the early meal

Before the crack of dawn, Muslims awaken in sleepy camaraderie, to pray and partake in suhoor together in preparation for a day of fast, which starts with the morning adhan or 'call to prayer'. On weekdays, suhoor is usually had at home with the family, while on weekends see city dwellers head to specially set up tents or restaurants to fuel up before the first light of the day, and the Fajr prayer.

Siyam: the fast

Siyam which means ‘to refrain’, is the hours of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from eating, drinking, or smoking between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Besides practicing physical restraint, the devotees must also refrain from bad thoughts, actions, and words. The fast is a way of cleansing the body and soul from impurities and re-focusing the mind to worship, atonement, and express gratitude. Fasting also teaches you to put yourself in the shoes of those less fortunate and encourages participation in charitable activities. At home, kitchens get busy in preparation for the quiet rhythm of iftar.

Iftar: breaking the fast

As the sun sets (Maghrib prayer), a pause falls over the city until the roar of cannons signals the end of the fast and the proclamation of iftar. Dubai joins billions of Muslims around the world who traditionally break their fast like the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did, with a sip of water and some dates. Paying great attention to tradition, homes are at their hospitable best, while hotels and restaurants pull out all stops to serve gastronomical feasts. At dusk, twinkling Arabesque decorations come aglow all over the city throughout the Holy Month.

Taraweeh: prayers

The isha (night prayers) and Taraweeh (extended evening prayers during Ramadan) are very important for Muslims. Laylat Al Qadr (The Night of Decree) falls during the last ten days of the Holy Month and this is the time when prayers are considered to be equivalent to 1,000 months of worship.

According to Islamic tradition, the month of Ramadan is when Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Thus, also Muslims read one-thirtieth of the holy book each day of Ramadan. Thus, by the end of the month, the whole Qur'an has been read and recited.

Zakat: charity

One of the five pillars of Islam, charity is particularly significant during Ramadan and the Eid festivals. Special initiatives are set up by the government and organizations as individuals step forward to help share the Ramadan spirit with those less fortunate.

What should tourists be aware of during Ramadan?

Ramadan sees non-Muslims pay respect to those fasting by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public. However, restaurants remain open, serving food as normal. During the Holy Month, businesses might work fewer hours to accommodate more time for family and prayers.

Ramadan is when the entire community comes together in an effort to better themselves. Expect family festivities and socializing to continue until the late hours at parks, markets, and shopping malls, with an incredible array of iftars to try.

Whether it is attempting to keep the fast or helping the poor, you can be a part of the Holy Month in Dubai by embracing customs and wishing friends 'Ramadan Mubarak'.

Source: Visit Dubai