The holy Month of Ramadan is just about here and possibly 1st of August will be the 1st day of the holy month of Ramadan the 9th month of Islamic calendar . Here are few points to note specially for non Muslim visitors to Dubai.The traditional Greeting of Ramadan is “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem”  (kareem means generous and mubarak means blessings).

Suhoor is the meal in the morning just before sunrise – it is usually a light meal.

Iftar is the time of the evening meal just after sunset, traditionally a light snack of dates and water, although this might no be so obvious in Dubai.

During Ramadan, Muslims observe the following rituals.

No eating, drinking, smoking or sex between sunrise (fajr) and sunset (maghrib, rather than magrib).

Rules & Regulations

t is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours (including in your car). There may be a fine of Dhs 2000 / 2500 or 1 or 2 month jail sentence.

Tourists young kids can eat in the hotel room or in discreet restaurants available in major hotels during the day.

It is respectful and polite to dress modestly during Ramadan – modest means shoulders and legs should be covered.

During the tours and desert safaris do loud musinc belly dance and alcoholic drinks are offered.

Bars in Dubai are usually still open but strictly for non Muslims.

Car stereos should be turned down – loud music, especially rock or similar music, is disrespectful

More details about Ramadan in Dubai and cultural activities cab be found here