The start of Ramadan...

The Holy Month of Ramadan begins at the end of May this year, with the exact date determined by the sighting of the moon.   Ramadan starts approximately 11 days earlier each year and is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.

Ramadan is understood to be observed by Muslims to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad.  It is a time of worship and reflection, as well as a time for family and friends.

The Ramadan displays 

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed from sunrise to sunset.    The practice of fasting is designed to serve both spiritual and social purposes - to remind you of your human frailty and reliance on others, to help you empathize with others who have less than you, and to reduce your distractions so you can focus in on your spiritual relationship.

Sunset brings the end of the fast.  Muslims enjoy a light snack before their evening prayers, to be followed by an Iftar, the evening meal.  Before the sun rises again, Muslims will wake for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, before their morning prayers and day of fasting begins.

Our final dinner before the start of Ramadan

Balancing the traditions of Muslims and non-Muslims in the region, Dubai has embraced a practical and respectful approach to Ramadan.
The practices of Ramadan are observed in public spaces but people are free to follow their daily practices in their homes.  Offices, shopping malls and restaurants generally carve out discrete spaces or cordoned off areas for non-Muslims to eat and drink during the day. Office hours are shorter but evening activities are in full force. And many hotels and government bodies have created opportunities for non-Muslims to get involved in Ramadan traditions to better understand and appreciate the meaning of Ramadan.

When in Dubai, we do our best to embrace the fasting rituals of Ramadan.  It is a way for us to better understand and appreciate the culture of our neighbours and this wonderful place where we live.