What is Dubai like during Ramadan?

Dubai stays open during Ramadan. Non-Muslim visitors are not required to fast, and the Government of Dubai says restaurants operate as normal, so you can eat and drink during the day. What changes is the rhythm: people fasting until sunset, working hours two hours shorter, and the day built around iftar at sunset.

When Ramadan falls

Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar, so it starts earlier each Gregorian year. It begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, and the UAE follows the official announcement of the moon-sighting committee of the UAE Council for Fatwa. Exact dates are confirmed only shortly before, so if your trip is close to the expected start, keep your plans flexible.

The month ends with Eid Al Fitr. The UAE public holiday runs from 1 to 3 Shawwal, and if Ramadan lasts 30 days, the 30th day is also an official holiday. Our UAE public holidays tool and the best time to visit Dubai help you place the month in your plans.

What official guidance says about daytime

Iftar, the cannon and the evening

Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, traditionally starting with dates and water or laban. Many hotels and restaurants offer iftar, and much of the official Ramadan programme (below) runs in the evening.

Dubai Police keeps up the Ramadan cannon, a tradition dating from the early 1960s: a single shot is fired at iftar every day, and two shots mark the start of the month and the start of Eid. The cannon locations are announced each year.

What is on

Dubai runs an official Ramadan programme each year. In 2026 it was led by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and included the Ramadan Street Food Festival at Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Ramadan by the Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall, and fireworks at Al Seef and Dubai Creek, with activations at locations including Global Village. The programme for the coming Ramadan is announced closer to the month; our Global Village guide covers the park itself.

Evenings are also the time for old Dubai: the souks around the Gold Souk in Deira, and the Egyptian and Levantine kitchens in Egyptian food in Dubai. Book restaurants for iftar in advance where you can.

A worked example: one Ramadan day

1. Morning: outdoor sightseeing while it is cooler, dressed modestly.
2. Midday: lunch inside a mall restaurant, food court or your hotel.
3. Afternoon: indoor attractions or a rest; see indoor things to do. Remember that offices and some services keep shorter hours.
4. Sunset: iftar at a restaurant, booked ahead.
5. Night: Ramadan markets, the Creek, or Global Village.

Should you come during Ramadan?

If your trip is built around sightseeing, food and evenings out, Ramadan works well, as long as you plan the day around the fast. If it is built around daytime parties or nightlife, check your specific plans before booking.

Frequently asked questions

Can tourists eat in public during Ramadan in Dubai?

There are no specific restrictions for non-Muslims, and restaurants operate as normal. Out of courtesy, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the street during fasting hours.

Are restaurants open during the day?

Yes. The Government of Dubai says restaurants operate as normal and many offer takeaway.

Do I have to dress differently?

Modest clothing in public is recommended. See what to wear in Dubai.

Are working hours shorter?

Yes, by two hours a day in both the public and private sectors.

How long is the Eid holiday?

From 1 to 3 Shawwal, plus 30 Ramadan if the month lasts 30 days.

More of what surprises first-time visitors is in first time in Dubai.

Verified August 2026. See our editorial policy.