Travel Tips for Ramadan Holidays in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Ramadan, the holy festival of Muslims is expected to start from 11th August 2010. Thousands of holidaymakers are planning to spend their holidays in different locations where Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very popular now days. Read some interesting tips for the travellers to Dubai and Abu Dhabi these days. Date : Thursday, January 13, 2011
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is revered as a holy time for Muslims all across the world. It is the time for the followers of the faith to fast from dawn till after sunset and observe rituals like abstaining from alcohol, smoking, and sex. People even refrain from drinking water and try to curb evil thoughts. Both men and women are expected to dress very modestly. Further, women are expected to use minimal or no makeup. Ramadan is part of the Lunar calendar and the new moon signals its start. With the Lunar calendar being shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the month starts eleven days earlier each year. This year, Ramadan is expected to start on 11th August. The exact date is calculated as per the sighting of the moon.
The Arab World especially the UAE, observes Ramadan with utmost solemnity. Here are some useful pointers for travellers who plan to holiday in these destinations during Ramadan.
- Do not eat or drink in public. Flouting this rule can even land you in jail.
- Alcohol is not available during the daytime.
- Restaurants remain closed during the daytime. However, some of them continue to function as long as they are hidden from public view.
- Although, Dubai is comparatively liberal, it is advisable to go low key in terms of dress and make up. After all, it is simply courteous to show some respect towards local feelings.
- Many of the hotel restaurants also continue to serve. Besides, one can always call up room service for food. Home delivery services are another option.
- Do not be surprised if you find the streets to be deserted. Most of the business establishments close down during Ramadan or have shorter working hours.
- The evenings breathe new life into the cities. This is the time when the daily fast is broken and is celebrated. The occasion is called Iftar.
- Quite a few hotels set up Iftar tents, where special Ramadan delicacies are served late into the night.
Overall, a trip to Abu Dhabi or Dubai during Ramadan promises peaceful days free of the frenetic pace which is witnessed during the rest of the year. This is also a good time to find cheap accommodation facilities as many hotels slash their rates. Airlines offer dozens of special fares and one can book cheapest possible flights to Dubai and flights to Abu Dhabi during this period.
