Ramadan is a religious occasion that has been observed and venerated for centuries. This holy month has a special significance for more than a billion Muslims all over the world, and is a time that is centered around patience, generosity and self-control.
Ramadan is expected to take place from May 17 until June 15 this year, depending on an official sighting of the moon, and will be marked by intense prayer, fasting, giving, and charitable deeds.
For expats in the UAE, Ramadan is also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the regional traditions, culture, and atmosphere during this special period, and it can be a touching and memorable time for non-muslims.
The Meaning of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and begins, according to official Islamic bodies, when the crescent moon is sighted
The Holy Month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (Sawm), to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. For approximately 30 days, Muslims refrain from consuming food or drinking liquid from dawn until sunset, and instead renew their focus on worship, devotion, and spiritual reflection. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Ramadan also symbolises a time of compassion and giving.
Did You Know?
- The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍaor ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness.
- Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon
- During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk
- Ramadan is celebrated as the month in which the prophet Muhammad received the first of the revelations that make up the Quran
- The fast is traditionally broken by eating dates and drinking water
- Children, pregnant women or those who are sick do not have to fast
- Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called suhoor
- The meal that breaks the fast after sunset is called iftar
- According to tradition, prophet Muhammad broke the fast with three dates
- A greeting for good wishes is “Ramadan Mubarak” which means “Have a blessed Ramadan”
- Following Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Al Fitr, which is a day of feasting
Yalla's Five to Try During Ramadan
Whilst the pace of living in Abu Dhabi may become a bit slower during the Holy Month of Ramadan, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to experience true Emirati culture and hospitality, learn something new, or get involved in charity work. Here’s our top five to try:
- Experience a family iftar
Every Ramadan, iftar and suhoor events are arranged at various venues across Abu Dhabi as a way to bring the entire community together. Even if you haven’t been fasting, you are still welcome to join, and these events are a great way to experience true Emirati hospitality. Head to our website for a round-up of the best family iftars to try this Ramadan.
- Learn something new
If you’ve been wanting to learn a new skill, now is the time to do it. Ramadan is a time to spend with loved ones, so why not use this time and learn to cook a traditional Arabic iftar for your friends and family? Or for something with the kids, take them to one of Abu Dhabi’s many cultural and heritage attractions to learn more about the history of the UAE and teach them about where they live.
- Give to charity
Charity is a very important part of Islam and is even more significant during Ramadan. Why not use this time to clear out your wardrobes and toy boxes, and give any items that you don’t need to charity? Or make the most of the quieter pace of life and donate your time to a local charity or support group.
- Focus on your diet and fitness
Ramadan is the perfect time to kick start healthy eating habits. Make an effort to eat out less, and, if you are fasting, make sure to eat the right foods during suhoor and iftar. You’ll also see lots of people taking a walk just before or after Iftar, so join in and use this month to focus on getting fitter by exercising more.
- Read a book
When was the last time you really took the time to relax with a good book? Use the extra time during Ramadan to expand your mind and relax at the same time by making a conscious effort to read more. As school hours are reduced, it’s a great time for children to read more too, so we’ve put together five of the best Ramadan reads for children below.
- Night of The Moon by Hena Khan
- Under The Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman
- Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr by Lisa Bullard
- My First Ramadan by Karen Katz
- Ramadan Moon by Na’ima B. Robert
- Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan
Ramadan Reads for Children
- Night of The Moon by Hena Khan
- Under The Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman
- Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr by Lisa Bullard
- My First Ramadan by Karen Katz
- Ramadan Moon by Na’ima B. Robert
- Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan
Things To Do With The Kids During Ramadan
Ramadan is a great opportunity to spend extra time with the kids. As the school day finishes earlier, it can mean there’s more time to explore new places, try out a new activity or you may simply want to know which cafés and play venues are remaining open throughout the month. So, we thought we’d lend a helping hand and share some of our favourite family hotspots for the month of Ramadan.
Get adventurous at Adventure HQ
Age doesn’t matter when it comes to being adventurous! Head to one of the two Adventure Zone branches in Abu Dhabi, at Dalma Mall or Yas Mall, and be prepared to tackle various obstacles and activities from cable climbing and boulder walls, to skate parks, caving and zip lines. Or you could bounce until your hearts’ content on one of the large trampolines.
Open daily from 10am until late. To find out more about what each venue offers, visit www.adventurehq.ae
Arrange a playdate at Orange Wheels
When it’s hot outside, little ones need somewhere to run wild. (And sometimes, you don’t want that place to be home.) At Orange Wheels, this indoor edutainment venue offers various play zones that include; playgrounds, climbing walls, a toddler village, arts & crafts studio, salon & spa, organic café, a gym and a shop.
Open daily from 10am until late. For more information visit www.orangewheels.com
Enjoy cool games at Orange Spin
Orange Spin could be the perfect hang out if you have older kids. This amusement centre provides play experiences powered by cutting-edge technology. From arcade games to race car simulators, bowling alleys and a spy mission-themed Laser Tag Arena, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained all afternoon.
Open daily from 10am until late. Visit www.orange-spin.com for more information.
Take a walk on the wild side at Emirates Park Zoo
Animal lovers can enjoy getting up close to a range of wildlife throughout the month of Ramadan. Families can see everything from exotic birds, reptiles, elephants, camels, giraffes, monkeys, hippos, mammals and tigers. The park usually extends its opening hours during the Holy Month, so visitors can enjoy longer visits.
Open daily from 9am. For more information visit www.emiratesparkzooandresort.com
Sign up for fitness classes at My First Gym
It can sometimes be tough trying to find new classes for your kids – and classes that they will actually enjoy. At MFG, a team of trained fitness experts offer innovative fitness sessions for kids, aged between 6 weeks to 13 years.
The gym operates daily throughout Ramadan from 8.30am. For more information visit www.myfirstgym.com
Show off your art skills at Art Studio
Parents and kids can get creative with drop in art sessions and a full schedule of workshops. If your kids love to draw or get messy, this could be just the place for them. There’s also an opportunity to buy art supplies at the on-site Art Central store, plus a chic restaurant, LARTE, for a bite to eat or quiet coffee whilst the kids get creative.
For more information, visit www.manaratalsaadiyat.ae/en/art.studio
Buy a beach and pool pass at the Palace
As the temperature continues to rise, it can be a tough task keeping the kids cool. So, why not book a special afternoon treat during Ramadan and head to the Beach Club at Emirates Palace? The Beach Club offers discounted summer day pass rates, so families may enjoy the hotel’s pristine beach, two resort pools, two waterslides, bicycles and kids’ club and have a few dirhams left over for a lovely lunch.
For more information, call 02 690 7311.
If you want to keep up to date with what’s going on across the city, simply check out the latest family events listed in our handy events diary. You’ll find something to suit all ages!
Ramadan Etiquette for Expats
The Holy Month of Ramadan is a touching and memorable time for everyone, and a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the UAE’s traditions and culture. If you are new to the UAE, here are some tips on how to make the most of Ramadan and advice on the etiquette to follow:
- Embrace the community spirit and wish a blessed Ramadan to Muslim friends and colleagues; visit Suhour tents, try group Iftars, and experience the sumptuous Emarati food.
- Even if you don’t fast, invite your Muslim friends over and go over for Iftar at their house, it is a sign of respect and friendliness.
- Ramadan is known as the month of giving. Do the most out of charity and help the ones in need. Small gestures come with big satisfaction.
- Eating and drinking in public during Ramadan is considered very offensive and can even attract a fine or a reprimand from the police. Many restaurants and cafes remain open during Ramadan, and there are also designated screened-off areas within public places to eat for those who are not fasting.
- During Ramadan, it is recommended that both men and women dress conservatively.
- Listening to music loudly may offend those who are fasting. If you want to listen to music, it is acceptable to do so with the aid of headphones.
