Visiting Dubai During Ramadan: What to Expect

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A lot of people avoid visiting Dubai during Ramadan, and this always baffles me. After moving to Dubai in 2022, Ramadan has become one of my favorite times of the year to be here. Spend Ramadan in Dubai, and you’ll get to experience festive city-wide decorations, bustling Ramadan night markets, lavish iftars (evening meals) with family and friends, huge discounts at malls and hotels, and just a general joyous spirit in the days leading up to the huge Eid Al Fitr holiday.

So if you’re worried about visiting Dubai during Ramadan, there’s really nothing to worry about. For the most part, it’s business as usual here in Dubai, and you’ll find that most restaurants and major tourist attractions are operating as usual. Ramadan just adds a unique cultural element to your travels, as well as a few additional perks, which is why I think Ramadan is one of the best times to visit Dubai!

Dubai During Ramadan: Everything You Need to Know!

The perks of spending Ramadan in Dubai

• Joining in with an iftar or suhoor meal with locals
• Seeing gorgeous light displays and decorations all over town
• Shopping and dining at the festive, light-filled Ramadan night markets
• Taking advantage of massive sales at malls and shops
• Getting great deals on hotels across the UAE
• Seeing fewer crowds at major attractions during the day
• Hearing the call to prayer emanate from mosques at sunset
• Extended hours at malls, restaurants, and attractions.

Insider tip: When visiting Dubai during Ramadan, you can greet others by saying “Ramadan Kareem” (“Generous Ramadan”) or “Ramadan Mubarak” (“Blessed Ramadan”).

What is Ramadan in Dubai?

Ramadan is the Holy Month in Islam, and it marks the occasion when the first verses of the Quran were given to the Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days and is a time of fasting, faith, family, and charity. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking (even water), and smoking from sunrise to sunset each day of the Holy Month. When the sun sets, Muslims will break their fast with an evening meal called iftar. Before fasting resumes at sunrise, Muslims have another meal called suhoor.

When is Ramadan 2026?

Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. But the dates change each year according to the cycle of the moon. The beginning of Ramadan depends on when the new crescent moon is first spotted by the official moon-sighting committee here in the UAE.

It’s estimated that the beginning of Ramadan 2026 will start on Thursday, February 19 and will end on Thursday, March 19.

Are tourists expected to fast?

Absolutely not. However, you’re more than welcome to fast if you’d like!

Will restaurants be open during the day?

The short answer is yes!

Times have definitely changed. Even as recently as a few years ago, traveling to Dubai during Ramadan was a much different experience for tourists and non-Muslims. While many hotel and tourist-oriented restaurants and cafes would still serve food, they would cover their windows and remove outdoor seating during the day in an effort to be respectful of fasting Muslims. And a great many restaurants would close altogether.

Depending on where you’re traveling in the UAE, you’ll find that many areas are still very conservative. But, in tourist-oriented areas in Dubai, it’s business as usual. In areas like Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina, you’ll find restaurants and outdoor dining going strong throughout the month.

Can tourists eat and drink in public?

It is technically prohibited to eat, drink, smoke, and chew gum in public areas during fasting hours in Dubai. While not everyone abides by this, I always try to be as respectful as possible. For example, unless I’m dining at a restaurant during the day, I never start drinking water or eating in front of people when I’m in public, in an office, or in a taxi.

Generally, you should just use common sense and be respectful.

Do restaurants serve alcohol during Ramadan?

Yes, most bars, restaurants, and hotels continue to serve alcohol to guests during Ramadan in Dubai. You can also purchase booze for personal consumption at one of the many designated alcohol shops in Dubai.

Unlike other emirates, the alcohol shops in Dubai do remain open during Ramadan. However, hours are typically adjusted during the holiday. If you’re unfamiliar with Dubai’s quirky alcohol rules, check out my full guide to buying alcohol in Dubai.

Do tourists need to dress conservatively during Ramadan?

As a general rule, both men and women should be respectful and dress a bit more conservatively during this time of year. That being said, you’ll find that a lot of visitors don’t abide by this. In certain areas, like the Dubai Marina, it’s like any other time of year and you’ll see people wearing shorts and tank tops.

But if you’re heading out to more conservative, family-friendly areas, like the Ramadan night markets in Bur Dubai or the Dubai Mall, ladies should cover their shoulders and knees and men should dress nicer than usual. Again, this is a very touristy city, so dress codes aren’t necessarily enforced.

Helpful things to know about Ramadan in Dubai

What is IftaR?

Iftar is when Muslims break their fast when the sun sets. People often gather at home with family for iftar, or here in Dubai, hotels offer lavish iftar buffets and restaurants offer special set meals (the latter are often excellent deals!). Whether you’re in a fancy hotel restaurant or out on the street in Old Dubai, you’ll find people gathering in groups waiting to break their fast with a sip of water and a date before digging into their meal.

It’s more than likely that you’ll be asked to join an iftar, especially if you’re living in Dubai or traveling here for work. It’s a really fun and interesting experience, and I highly recommend enjoying at least one iftar during your trip!

Insider tip: Because people have fasted all day, give your waiters, taxi drivers, and shop clerks respect as they eat and drink for 5 minutes the moment the sun goes down!

What is Suhoor?

You’ll also find suhoors being offered by hotels and restaurants across the city. These take place in the wee hours of the morning before sunrise. So early birds should check one out, too!

What is Eid Al Fitr?

The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid Al Fitr, which is a big public holiday here in Dubai. Expect things to be pretty dead out during the first day of Eid, as Muslims tend to pray and stay home with family. But rest assured, there will be massive fireworks displays, fun festivities, massive sales, special performances, and much more held during the Eid holiday!

That’s it! Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai during Ramadan. Feel free to ask me questions in the comments below!