Aug 30, 2006
Ramadan will run from about the 22nd of September till the 20th odd of October this year. Depending on when it ends you may also be here for the fist part of Eid.
During Ramadan you cannot eat, drink or smoke during the day outdoors without getting a) shouted at b) arrested c) fined/ jailed. I see you mentioned trips - some places don't run any trips during the day due to the eating/ drinking/ smoking ban. Other emirates are much stricter with their enforcement of the rules than Dubai, and even the vending machines will be unplugged to deter anyone who is tempted...
Some hotel restaurants are open during the day (to cater to guests), and are basically the only place where you could get something to eat and drink - although they are normally cordoned off from public view.
The local police don't take "I am a tourist, I didn't know better" as an excuse, you may receive a polite warning firstly, but don't count on it.
After Iftar/ Evening Prayers (sunset), things get back to normal. Fast food outlets such as McDonalds only open after 6pm and will close at about 5am (or just before sunrise).
During the day, it's pretty quiet and not many shops are open – in case you came for the shopping. Larger shopping centres will stay closed until about 4pm, and then stay open well after midnight.
Bars are open in the evening, but there is no live music. Most local bands actually use this opportunity to take their annual vacations! By the way, all bars in Dubai close strictly at 3am, they will throw you out at 3.01 as they stand to loose their licences if they operate after this time.
However, if you are drunk in public or someone takes offence to any drunken behaviour such as loud music, shouting etc. (even in your apartment) during Ramadan then expect to spend the rest of your holiday in jail - on the up side you get a nice "number 3" haircut for free!
During Ramadan, they also tend to be more conservative with what is acceptable dress-wise for women, which can also result in problems...
- dbxsoul
- Honored Member
-
- Posts: 1626
- Location: Dubai