Every year there’s about a month-long period in the UAE when you become intensely aware of the arid geographical setting. Shops are generally shuttered in the afternoons, courtesy demands that food and water is avoided during the day, at least in public spaces, and working days become shorter. It’s a time of reflection, of meeting friends and family in the evening, of getting around your habits, and embracing the spirit of giving.
And when night comes, it explodes in wonder; henna painting, games and activities for children and adults alike abound — the moon is an alarm clock for fun.
It can be confusing for not only those new to the place and harbouring preconceived notions but also for those who have been living here for years without a clue about what the month is really about.
Here’s how you can truly get into the spirit of Ramadan: eat, play, be generous and of course, shop like a UAE-iite.
EAT
Walk through one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods with Frying Pan Adventures.
1. What: Open Tent, Alserkal Avenue, H68 (next to Chi-ka), Dubai
When: Until June 24. Iftar: daily 7pm-10pm; suhour: Wednesday-Saturday 7pm-2am
Price: Dh135; Suhour is à la carte. Children under 4 years of age get in free; ages 5-10: Dh65
In the spirit of understanding and encouraging tolerance and compassion, the Open Tent initiative hosts iftars and suhours with a difference. Not only can you sample a fusion of Japanese and Arabic cuisine, there are also tea ceremonies, bonsai tree workshops, origami, poetry recitals and games for the whole family. The event is organised by Chika, a kimono shop and art space, in partnership with Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors.
2. What: The Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), Dubai
When: Until June 22
Price: Dh155 per person; children 7-12: Dh80; those under 6 get in free
The SMCCU hosts the event in Al Fahidi Historic District, in old Bur Dubai, in the courtyard of a traditional house. End your fast with Arabic coffee and dates, and when the citywide call to prayer (Adhan) is heard, visitors can observe the traditional prayer, too. During the meal, people can ask all their questions about the country and its people, and sample some Emirati cuisine.
There will also be a children’s corner with activities such as storytelling, arts and crafts and live falconry.
3. What: Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tours, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily, except Friday, from 9am to 1pm; walking tour starts at 10am
Cost: Free
When in the capital and looking for spiritual succour, visit the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a guided tour and some insight into Ramadan.
During the month, there’s also a free iftar daily. About 25,000 people end their fast here every week.
4. What: Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah
The Majaz Waterfront offers a stunning backdrop for your iftar and suhour experience.
When: Daily
Walk past the iconic Sharjah Fountain, and stroll through the a beautiful piazza when you go for an iftar and suhour experience at the Majaz Waterfront. The menu offers toasties from across the globe including Moroccan, Turkish and Italian, Lebanese, Mediterranean and American, among others. Besides this, there are a variety of shows to keep you entertained.
5. What: Old Dubai iftar walk
When: Daily
Cost:Dh595
Walk through one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods, Naif, just before sunset and watch people gather and prepare to end their fast. Join the locals for tea and snacks before ending the evening eating at an Afghani restaurant.
LEARN
1. What: Ramadan greeting cards
Where: thejamjar
When: June 21, 8.30-10.30pm
Cost: Dh200
Learn how to used mixed media to make Ramadan and Eid greeting cards. There’s also a DIY kit, in case you can’t make it to the venue.
2. What: Art show
Where: Ductac, Mall of the Emirates
When: Until June 27
Artists were asked to revisit what Ramadan means to them and create work based on their beliefs. The winners of the competition are now showcasing their ideas at Ductac.
3. What: Creating an iftar spread
Where: Top Chef cooking studio
When: multiple times
Price: Dh395 per person (minimum 2 people)
Dish up a traditional meal that’s healthy and hearty for friends and family. A class is held once or twice a week, and a typical menu is:
Eggplant zaalouk, chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemons, almond ghribas. Plus there is traditional bread and a bowl of harira soup.
4. What: Manarat Al Saadiyat Ramadan Evenings, Abu Dhabi
When: June 4 to 17, from 7.30-11.30pm
The festival provides a unique cultural experience during Ramadan for the whole family, through a variety of culinary experiences, creative activities, retail opportunities, performances and workshops.
The event will feature traditional crafts and workshops on skills such as ‘Talli’ embroidery, ‘Khos’ palm frond strand braiding and ‘Sadu’ weaving which provide participants the chance to connect with Emirati heritage.
You can experience performances by Bait Al Oud musicians every Fridays, live reading of stories from the Quran every Sunday, talks on Islamic architecture every Tuesday, and poetry sessions every Saturday.
There will also be board games, vintage video games, an interactive mosaic mural as well as an interactive puppet show.
SHOP
1. What: Ramadan Art Bazaar, Dubai
Love art, but often feel it’s too expensive? This year head to the Dubai Design District, where the city’s talent — 30 to 40 artists from various nationalities — have put together a collection that’s at most set at Dh4,000. The show is curated by Sumayyah Al Suwaidi.
2. What: Ramadan Nights
Where: Expo Centre Sharjah, from June 15 to 30
Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi all have their own version of the night market complete with goodies from far and wide and any number of trinkets you can think of. Whether you are looking for Eidi for that fussy cousin, or for an outfit for yourself, these markets make for good evening hopping.
PLAY
1. What: Marina Mall Abu Dhabi
When: This Ramadan, Marina Mall Abu Dhabi is inviting residents to stay active with a series of fun and challenging activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Visitors of all ages will be pushed to their limits with a series of fun fitness activities to prepare them for ‘The Unique Challenge’, an exciting physical activity and obstacle course that will keep both adults and children fit and entertained every day during Ramadan.
The Unique Challenge, both for adults and children, will take place at the mall’s main exhibition area, while the boot camp takes place next to Etisalat Marina Mall. In line with the UAE government’s ‘Year of Giving’ initiative, all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to an autism centre.
2. What: Ramadan Sports Gathering
When: June 9-18
The RSG will include seven sports (volleyball, basketball, shooting, karate, table tennis, fencing and archery) that will be held in Sharjah Ladies Club.
RSG aims to develop the players’ performance during Ramadan and help them gain more experience by touching base with other teams and kindling the spirit of sporting endeavour and competition among candidates. Thirty-eight teams are taking part in the event this year from across the UAE.
GIVE
Adopt-a-Camp
Started in 2005, this charity initiative pools resources to help provide people in workers’ accommodations food and clothing. Visit their Facebook page if you want to get involved.
The Emirates Wildlife Society
Offers great volunteering opportunities all year long for anyone who is passionate about animals, conservation and the environment. Check out their Facebook page and websites for upcoming events and sign up to be keep updated on ways to volunteer your time and resources to this worthy cause.
Ramadan Fridges
The urge to give back was so strong for UAE residents that they came across a unique way last year: communal fridges that are stocked by neighbours so that they can be accessed by anyone passing by.
