Visiting Dubai during Ramadan: top tips and things to do

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and, according to Islamic belief, it's observed by Muslims by fasting and prayer to commemorate the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad. As the exact dates are based on lunar cycles, the holy month tends to fall a couple of weeks earlier (or thereabouts) each year, with the Eid al-Fitr celebration – marking the end of Ramadan – taking place around a month later, at the next sighting of the cresent moon.

A typical day for an observant Muslim starts at dawn, with the morning call to prayer and 'suhur,' the pre-dawn meal. On weekdays, suhur is typically eaten at home with family but, on weekends, there are often marquees set up in public areas and restaurants that will offer suhur before dawn and 'fajr', the day's first prayer.

For the remainder of the day, observant Muslims will fast, additionally refraining from drinking, smoking and bad thoughts, actions or words between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Fasting is considered to be a reminder of those less fortunate and is thought to bring the faithful closer to God. 

Be respectful: Ramadan requests non-Muslims to respect those who are fasting by also refraining from eating (even chewing gum), drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan. Women and men should also cover their shoulders and legs (at least down to the knees) in public Failing to be respectful of Ramadan etiquette, even as a non-observant tourist, can result in legal consequences such as a fine.

Don't worry about going hungry: many restaurants stay open during daylight hours to serve visitors and non-observers and just pull down the blinds or use a makeshift curtain so that people dining will be hidden from view. You won't have too much trouble finding a place to eat. When the sun sets, many Muslims break the fast in the same fashion that the Prophet Muhammad did; with a sip of water followed by dates. After breaking the fast, a large feast known as 'iftar' typically follows. 

Exercise caution: Large crowds gathering to break fast can be targets for extremists, and military officials expect an increase in attacks during Ramadan. Always be aware of your surroundings.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi aren't completely closed to tourism during Ramadan, but do be aware that opening hours will be reduced. If you're using Go City Dubai passes, you'll find the most up-to-date info for updated hours right there in the app. Consult the app before you set out, book spots where required and you're all set. Here are just some of the top attractions you can visit with your pass...

• At The Top – Burj Khalifa: the world's tallest building at nearly one kilometer high. Note that if you're fasting for Ramadan, you'll have to wait a little longer to eat as, up here, you can see the sun for a couple of minutes longer than those at ground level. Yep, it's that tall.
• Sunset dinner cruise of Dubai Marina: tour times may vary to ensure that dining only commences after sundown.
• Arabian culinary experience at Al Hallab: closed during the day, opens after sunset with a special iftar buffet on the terrace overlooking Dubai Fountain.
• Lost Chambers Aquarium: fish don't observe holy festivals.
• Ski Dubai: chill now, eat later.
• Madame Tussauds: check out the world's waxiest A-listers and take home a wax model of your own fair hand!
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: international art and arttifacts from across the centuries; as good an excuse for a day trip to Abu Dhabi as you'll ever need.

If you're visiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi during the month of Ramadan, you won't need to worry too much about missing out on attractions or things to do. Most of the attractions you're eager to visit will remain open – you might just need to factor in a little extra planning to work around reduced opening hours.

Be sure to check each establishment's website, call ahead or – better still – check the Go City app for the most up-to-date hours. Be mindful of those observing the holy month and follow the etiquette outlined above to be respectful and avoid any legal consequences. Finally, embrace the region's cultural traditions; you'll likely get to see and maybe even experience a lot of it during your visit!