September in Dubai

So, this year Ramadan will last the whole month of September. For those of you who aren't familiar with what Ramadan is, it's Islam's holy month. Muslims fast from sun up to sun down and they are to pray, contemplate their spirituality, give to the poor, commit one act of good, stop an evil and make another Muslim smile. They are doing this to seek blessings and the last ten days they are to try harder to accomplish those goals. There are other things they are supposed to do as well, but I am still very new to this culture/religion and I am learning as I go.

For those of us in Dubai who are not Muslim, we are also responsible to hold to the rules pertaining to the restrictions of our public behavior. We are not to eat or drink in public, not even to chew gum. We are also to dress extra modest (knee and arms covered) so as not to cause a Muslim to stumble. It's a time for the non-Muslims to also enjoy the benefits of Ramadan... by joining in the Iftars around town. Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast, and during this month there are many tents set up in various locations to partake together. The tents are often used to care for those who are poor as well, but many hosts will have an open invitation and many Muslims do a lot of visiting to friends and family during this time. Restaurants also serve Iftar meals, and they can be quite lavish from what I’ve heard. I will be making it a point to go to one during this month so that I can learn more.

Some Q&A about Ramadan, courtesy of expatewoman.com

Q What is Ramadan?

A Ramadan is the name of the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Holy Quran and is considered the most holy month by Muslims around the world. Fasting is one the Five Pillars of Islam and for the entire month Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn until dusk, try to be pure in thought and action and give generously to those in need. Through fasting they build empathy for those who do not have enough to eat and drink and learn about self-restraint and piousness.

Q When does it start?

A The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon, so the exact date is not known in advance and may vary from country to country. In 2008 it should start on or around September 1. Each year the date moves forward by approximately 11 or 12 days.

Q Do all Muslims fast?

A Those who are sick, travelling, pregnant, menstruating or nursing women, are not required to fast, however, those who are unable to fast for these reasons must make up the days they missed upon recovery or return, or after weaning.

Q I’m not a Muslim – how does this affect me?

A In Dubai non-Muslims are obliged by law to refrain from eating (including chewing gum), drinking or smoking in public during the day. This includes in cars, shopping malls and public offices. Out of respect we should also dress more conservatively and avoid loud behavior, including playing loud music in the car, holding noisy parties, etc.

Q I have small children – can they eat and drink in public?

A Yes, and so can you if you are pregnant, but try to be discreet and find a quiet corner.

Q Is there anywhere I can eat or drink during the day, or can I only do so at home?

A Most hotels keep at least one outlet open and increasingly a number of independent coffee shops and restaurants obtain special licenses to be open during the day in Ramadan. They will be discreetly screened off from public view and you may have to enter from the rear door. Licenses to remain open are not usually granted until the last minute.

Q Are the supermarkets open?

A Yes, they are open normal hours and many stay open later than usual.

Q Can I drink in the gym and by the pool?

A Usually it is OK to drink in the gym, it is unlikely anyone who is fasting would be working out during the day. However you should check with the management. Similarly many hotels now allow their guests to drink by the pool, but again, you should always ask first. If in doubt, in a private place, ask the people around you “Are you fasting? Do you mind if I eat/drink?” It’s all about courtesy and consideration.

Q What is Iftar?

A Iftar is the light meal which breaks the fast. The time varies slightly each day, local newspapers will publish timings daily. As a non-Muslim, attending one of the many Iftars at hotels and restaurants around town is a great way to learn and be involved in this special time of year. Ramadan evenings are traditionally a very festive time, involving much entertaining and visiting family and friends. Throughout Dubai restaurants and clubs are open as usual, but there is no live entertainment for the entire month. Alcohol is available in the usual clubs and restaurants after Iftar.

Q What is Eid?

A The end of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon and is celebrated with a 2/3 day holiday called Eid. There are special early morning prayers on the first day of Eid and some mosques have huge outdoor prayer grounds to accommodate the crowds. The holiday is filled with visiting and entertaining. Many special sweets are available and there are usually fireworks at night.


The firing of the cannons at Safa Park, Shindaga and in Deira, announce the breaking of the fast each day.

“Ramadan Kareem!” (Kareem means generous, bountiful) and “Eid Mubarak!” (Mubarak means blessed)

End Q&A


Many of you who know me personally, know that it I am not here in Dubai, without some deep contemplation. As I learn more about this culture, I also learn more about my own... and of course what my identity is. I only wish that people all over the world would have the opportunity to experience life in a different place. Daily life can become routine, no matter where you are, but it's the moments where you step outside the familiar and comfortable, that you can examine better what is principal in your life. Faith becomes more real and the purpose of it very clear. Diplomacy also comes into full effect as well. We are used to saying what we feel and many people are proud of being bold, but frankness, and boldness can often over power the purpose of your words. So what we say is no longer our opinion, but an imposing judge on the world, and it usually doesn't resolve much. I think back to nursery rhymes I learned in Sunday school, and it's those simple instructions that we ought to take heed. 'Oh be careful little mouth what you say...'

John returns from Sao Paulo, Brazil tonight, and he will enjoy 5 days off. We are still organizing what to do with the 'extra' time we have together... but John commented that we are making up for the lost time in the first 7 years we were married. We spent a god bit apart, and now, we spend a good bit together. We have few adventures planned... the first is my trip to England in October, sans John. But he hoping to have an overnight there so that we can spend some time together. Then in November we are returning to the States for 3 weeks. We'll enjoy a family Thanksgiving and spend lots of time sharing the 'live version' of our life abroad with everyone. John has a reserve schedule in December, so we won't be traveling, but we do plan on hosting lots of holiday gatherings with many of our new friends. Christmas is going to have all the tinsel and lights that it would if we were back home. Thankfully, we do have 'winter' here in Dubai, I hear it's similar to what we have in Florida. January brings my parents here and in March John's parents will come. In between we are going to try to so some excursions, but locations haven’t been mapped.... yet. And of course, plans are never permanent, and that's why they are called plans.