Advice on Ramadan
 

Dear All,
having tried to search various archives and coming up empty, I am seeking advice on what constraints one can expect during Ramadan in Dubai (UAE) - meaning if one were to go for holidays during November in lieu of eating, sports etc during the Hotel stay.

Any advice, experience is highly appreciated.

TYIA

Cheers

Thomas

Generally most places that you would go to to eat will be open for business but will be hidden behind heavy curtains, etc.

you might enjoy it as evening dinners are big events. Most of the hotels will have set up large tents or similar where families eat for hours. alcohol is more limited, your mini bar may not contain alcoholic drinks - but when asked they'll add them to your minibar. Shopping hours may be limited at some of the malls.

Is it correct that at the hotels alcoholic beverages will only be served after 7 p.m ?
Secondly in terms of eating during the day - is that a No No or do the Hotels cater in a special way ?

Cheers

Thomas

Good questions; I've wondered about that myself.

You can eat / drink/ smoke on Hotel grounds anytime of day, at least I could when at Hilton DXB Creek.

Nigel

It really isn't too much of a problem if you intend to stay around the hotel during the day times, in fact in most of the major ones you would hardly know any difference during the day, wiaters serve you now outdoors by the pool as well as in the restaurants. In the evenings, the city is manic! Traffic is frightening, driving gets worse and if you are on the road between 4:30 and 6 watch out, everyone is in a real rush to get home to break the fast. If you do go out, it wil be frowned upon if you drink, eat or smoke in public places, I do not even smoke in my car during this time and I am not muslim but I do respect their custom. Also, eating out in the evening as someone said earlier is fantastic, most major hotels set up sepcial Ramadan tents, where you eat and chat, play backgammon with anyone - its a great time! There is however no live music or officially dancing! But you will hear music everywhere, although not live! Enjoy!!!!!!