The Ramadan rules to know

Here's what to do, and not to do, during the holy month Discuss this article

dosdonts
© ITP Images

• Don’t smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public in the hours between sunrise and sunset. It’s offensive, and flagrant flaunting of the rules could also get you a warning from the police or even result in you spending the rest of the month in jail.

• Don’t dance or sing in public at any time. Not that you should have many opportunities – there will be no live music gigs and only background music in bars.

• Don’t expect to have the kind of blow-out clubbing weekends you might be used to. Most major nightclubs will be shut, but many bars and pubs will be open after 7pm. A few may open before that time, but they will not serve alcohol until sundown.

• Don’t play loud music at any time in your car, on the beach or even at home. If it’s audible to others it may offend.

• Don’t wear revealing or tight clothes in public, even when you’re heading out for a night on the tiles.

• Don’t blaspheme or swear in public. Doing so is frowned upon at the best of times, of course, but during the whole month of Ramadan it’s particularly insulting.

• Do listen to your iPod if you want your music fix – so long as the music is inaudible to others you should be OK.

• Do make the most of the community spirit and food to be found in the iftar tents at the city’s hotels. It’s a great opportunity to relax, play games and experience traditional Arabic entertainment.

• Do eat at home before heading out for the night – restaurants and tents will be packed.

By Devina Divecha and Becky Lucas
Time Out Dubai,

Add your review/feedback

Subscribe to Daily Dubai newsletter

Submit

The Knowledge

5 things to do today
May 16

Tuck into tasty burgers or have giggle with laughter yoga

5 things to do tomorrow
May 16

Hit an arty album launch party or visit Bur Dubai’s newest club

Paul van Dyk at Peppermint Experience
May 15

German superstar DJ to perform at Dubai World Trade Centre

Newsletters

Sign up now
EATING OUT GUIDEOut now!

Time Out
Abu Dhabi

25 things to do this week
Amazing art, night market, DJ nights and more Abu Dhabi fun

Time Out
Bahrain

Get fit in Bahrain
From Brazillian Pump to Navy Seal fitness in Bahrain

Time Out
Doha

Doha Restaurant Awards: winners
Time Out has chosen the best restaurants in Doha