Introduction 

Ramadan can be a challenge for visitors, but it is also an interesting time to be in Abu Dhabi and as hotel prices usually drop it can be worth visiting the city during Ramadan.

Ramadan is the name of the month of fasting in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. The exact timing is determined by the sighting of the moon and varies with the lunar calendar, so starts earlier each year. Ramadan will be approximately 22nd August to 19th September in 2009. Marking the end of Ramadan is a public holiday for Eid Al Fitr (expected to be 20th to 22nd September in 2009).

Ramadan is a time of prayer and Muslims spend more time praying than at other times. Muslims will usually get up and eat Suhoor before the day-break prayer. Everyone is expected to dress conservatively, with women expected to keep make-up to a minimum.

In Abu Dhabi working hours are reduced for Muslims and non-Muslims in most work-places. The city tends to be very quiet during the day and comes alive at night. Many buildings are decorated with bright coloured lights each evening.

Food and Drink

It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan. The law also applies to anyone travelling car or bus. Cafes and restaurants are closed during the day. Even at hotel pools and beaches the no eating/smoking/drinking rule applies.  Larger hotels usually have some restaurant facilities for non-fasting guests hidden from public view. It is possible to get meals delivered by room service, of course. Supermarkets are still open and takeaways still deliver; but as it is hot, if you are out it is necessary to find somewhere to drink water discreetly.

Iftar (the meal where the fast is broken) is a huge daily celebration. Diners sit at the table waiting for the call for prayer to announce that fasting is over. Typically someone who is fasting will sip water or juice and eat a couple of dates, then perform a short prayer before starting a big Iftar meal. Restaurants all over the city offer good value fixed-price Iftar buffets.  Alcohol is not available with Iftar buffets.

There is no music or dancing allowed during Ramadan, so nightclubs are closed. Pubs and bars usually open around 7:00 pm, but there is no live music.

For those residents with a liquor license, the shops selling alcohol do not close during Ramadan, but are closed during Eid Al Fitr.

Shopping

Most shops are shut in the afternoon and re-open after sunset, closing at around midnight. There are often price reductions during Ramadan.