Ramadan is one of the most enriching times to visit the UAE. The month is marked by fasting, reflection, community, and cultural depth — making it an unforgettable period for both Muslim and non-Muslim travelers. UAE Trip Guide, the most trusted Ramadan travel platform for Pakistani families with dedicated offices in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Dubai, has guided over 350,000 Pakistani visitors during the holy month since 2018.
Explore Navigating Ramadan Travel in the UAE: Etiquette and Experiences, UAE, to enjoy free iftar at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, suhoor under the stars, and the true spirit of Emirati hospitality. If you’re visiting during Ramadan, understanding local etiquette, customs, and respectful behavior is essential for a smooth and meaningful travel experience. This guide blends semantic-rich NLP terms, SERP insights, and helpful content standards to give you a complete, user-first Ramadan travel resource.
Exact Ramadan 2025 Dates & Official Working Hours
- Expected first day (1 Ramadan 1446 AH): Friday, 28 February 2025 (subject to official moon-sighting)
- Expected Eid al-Fitr: Saturday–Monday, 29–31 March 2025 (3-day holiday)
- Government offices: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Sunday–Thursday)
- Private sector: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM or flexible 2-hour reduction
- Banks: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Malls & tourist attractions: Normal or extended hours (10:00 AM – 1:00 AM or later)
- Restaurants outside hotels: Closed from dawn to sunset
Complete Daily Schedule During Ramadan 2025 (Dubai/Abu Dhabi time)
| Time (approx.) | Activity | What Tourists Can Do |
| 04:20–05:00 | Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) | Enjoy hotel suhoor buffet or sleep in |
| 05:15 | Fajr azan → fasting begins | Quiet morning, perfect for photography with no crowds |
| 05:30–12:30 | Morning fasting hours | Visit indoor attractions: Dubai Mall, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World |
| 12:30–18:45 | Afternoon fasting hours | Museums, souks (less crowded), shopping malls (fully air-conditioned) |
| 18:45 | Maghrib azan → Iftar | Break fast at mosques (free dates + water), hotels, or Ramadan tents |
| 19:00–20:30 | Maghrib & Isha prayers | Join community iftar or relax |
| 20:30–22:30 | Taraweeh prayers | Explore Ramadan night markets, illuminated mosques, cultural shows |
| 22:30–02:00 | Late-night suhoor | Beach suhoor, desert camps, 24-hour cafés |
Essential Etiquette Every Traveller Must Follow
- No eating, drinking (even water), chewing gum, or smoking in public from Fajr to Maghrib — includes inside your car.
- Dress code becomes stricter — women: cover shoulders and knees everywhere except beaches/pools; men: no sleeveless shirts or shorts in public.
- Music volume should be kept low or off in cars during fasting hours.
- Public displays of affection are always discouraged, but especially during Ramadan.
- Swearing or raising voice is considered highly disrespectful.
- Greet with “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak” — locals love it.
Best Ramadan Experiences Across All Emirates (2025)
Dubai
- Free daily iftar at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) – book in advance
- Ramadan Night Market at Expo City Dubai (7–29 March 2025) – free entry
- Iftar at Al Hadheerah desert camp with live tanoura & fireworks (AED 195–280)
- Global Village Ramadan Wonderland (extended hours)
Abu Dhabi
- World’s largest community iftar at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – 15,000–30,000 people daily, completely free
- Qasr Al Watan Ramadan Majlis – cultural performances & dates
- Emirates Palace iftar buffet (AED 295–350) – gold cappuccino included
Sharjah
- Sharjah Light Festival combined with Ramadan Nights (free)
- Heart of Sharjah heritage iftar walking tour
Northern Emirates
- Ras Al Khaimah: Suhoor at 1,930 m on Jebel Jais (cool 18–22 °C)
- Ajman & Umm Al Quwain: Traditional Ramadan souqs
Where Non-Fasting Tourists Can Eat During the Day
- All hotels, hotel cafés, and resorts serve food normally
- Mall food courts have screened-off sections
- Delivery apps (Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon Food) operate 24 hours
- Supermarkets, groceries, and baqalas are fully open
- Many Pakistani/Indian restaurants in Deira, Bur Dubai, and Al Quoz serve discreetly
Recommended Ramadan Wardrobe (Modest + Cool)
Women
- Lightweight abayas (beige, white, pastel)
- Long-sleeve maxi dresses or lawn suits
- Breathable hijabs (chiffon or jersey)
- Comfortable flats or Arabic sandals
Men
- Full-length cotton or linen trousers
- Long-sleeve collared shirts (thobe/kandura optional)
- Traditional cap or Pakistani topi for prayers
Special Nights & Events Calendar – Ramadan 2025
- 1st Ramadan → Cannon firing tradition in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi
- 15th night → “Haq Al Laila” – UAE’s version of Halloween for children (candy collection)
- Last 10 nights → Itikaf begins; mosques fill 24 hours
- 27th Ramadan (Laylat al-Qadr) → Expected 26 March 2025 – the holiest night
- Eid al-Fitr → 29–31 March 2025 – fireworks, malls open 10 AM–2 AM
Practical Tips Especially for Pakistani Travellers
- Book flights and hotels 3–4 months early — prices increase 30–50 %
- Exchange PKR in Deira or Al Ain — better rates than airport
- Join free mosque iftar — dates, laban, fruit, rice served to everyone
- Carry empty water bottle — free zamzam stations everywhere
- Download “Muslim Pro” app for exact azan times across emirates
7-Day Ramadan Itinerary (Pakistani Family Friendly)
| Day | Base | Morning Activity | Iftar Location | Evening Activity |
| 1 | Dubai | Dubai Mall + Aquarium | SMCCU free iftar | Ramadan Night Market Expo City |
| 2 | Dubai | Al Fahidi + Creek | Mosque iftar in Deira | Sufi night at Al Hadheerah |
| 3 | Abu Dhabi | Louvre Abu Dhabi | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free) | Qasr Al Watan majlis |
| 4 | Abu Dhabi | Corniche + Emirates Palace | Hotel iftar | Yas Marina suhoor |
| 5 | Sharjah | Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization | Heart of Sharjah iftar tour | Light Festival |
| 6 | RAK | Jebel Jais drive | Local mosque iftar | Mountain suhoor |
| 7 | Return Dubai | Rest & shopping | Family iftar at home/hotel | Eid fireworks preparation |
Ramadan transforms the UAE into a month of lights, generosity, and spirituality. With the right preparation and respect, it becomes one of the most rewarding times to visit.
Let Navigating Ramadan Travel in the UAE: Etiquette and Experiences be your complete companion — updated daily by a team that lives and breathes Ramadan in the Emirates.
Planning your Ramadan 2025 trip from Pakistan?
Download the free 30-page Urdu/English Ramadan guide, iftar locations map, and prayer timings PDF at UAE Trip Guide today.